LUCKLESS Hawthorn youngster Alex Woodward is hoping a change in number will also bring a change in luck.
In his first two seasons with Hawthorn, Woodward has twice ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and been forced to watch his teammates play in a Grand Final and then a premiership.
Not unlike close friend and premiership player Max Bailey, Woodward is searching for something, anything that will give him a fresh start.
It is no coincidence that the 20 year old, now entering his third season was offered the number 39 guernsey by the retiring Bailey at the end of last season.
Woodward turned to Bailey, a loveable larrikin and the feel-good story from Hawthorn’s 2013 triumph who overcame three knee reconstructions to finally achieve the ultimate success.
Naturally, Woodward and Bailey became close both because the youngster needed guidance and because the ruckman, the ultimate teammate embodied the Club’s culture of togetherness.
“I looked up to Max Bailey a lot, he was a close friend of mine and obviously he’s done three knees so I took a lot of advice from him,” Woodward told hawthornfc.com.au
“When he offered me the jumper I couldn’t jump into it any quicker.
“I thought after doing two knees in number 36; why not start fresh in number 39. I’m pretty excited to wear that jumper this season.”
He hopes number 39 will bring the same luck it did his close mate.
“He’s a premiership player and that’s what I’m aiming to achieve,” he said.
As Woodward prepares to return from his second knee reconstruction after now joining full training, he revealed Bailey wasn’t the only retired player he turned to who has also overcome serious challenges to forge a successful AFL career.
The Hawks youngster sought advice from retired Collingwood Club champion Paul Licuria who was originally drafted by Sydney despite recovering from two knee reconstructions at the ages of 16 and 17.
Licuria overcame the challenges he was dealt to play 192 matches for the Swans and Pies and was one of Collingwood’s most respected and loved players, winning the Club’s best and fairest in 2001 and 2002.
“Early on in his footy career, he didn’t have the best of starts - when he was drafted he had had two knee recos done,” Woodward said.
“He was really positive, which is what I wanted to maintain throughout my rehab – just being positive and moving forward.”
Woodward was able to maintain that positivity throughout his rehabilitation and is now close to a return.
“Right now I’m fully confident in my movements, which is what I want and I’ve stepped up into full training I think I’ve got everything down pat,” he said.
“I’m excited but I’m very focused as well. I still need to tick some boxes, obviously full training is the major one but games are just around the corner so I’m maybe a little bit excited.”
