HAWTHORN forward Brendan Whitecross is ready to make his long awaited return to football.

Whitecross has been sidelined since the Qualifying Final last year, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the opening quarter against Collingwood.

He has been in full training for at least a month, and is now ready to return for the Club’s VFL affiliate Box Hill, before pressing for senior selection.

The 23 year old is likely to make his first appearance since last September when Box Hill take on Sandringham and Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday 16 June.

Head of Coaching and Development, Chris Fagan says the Club has taken a cautious approach with his return.

“He’d tell you he was ready two or three weeks ago but he should play after the bye at Box Hill,” Fagan said.

“He’s very much looking forward to it, it’s been a fairly long rehabilitation for him but he’s done excellently.

“It’ll be exciting see him in the Hawthorn jumper again.”

Whitecross enjoyed a breakout season in 2012, where he became a regular best 22 player for the Hawks in a year it finished as minor premiers.

He impressed with his ability to play both up forward and in the midfield and provided a valuable marking option across half forward.

The Hawks will be hoping he can recapture the form that saw him enjoy career-best numbers in 2012 and make an impact at senior level in the second half of the season.

Speaking to hawthornfc.com.au in May, Whitecross says he doesn’t care how long it takes to regain form and match fitness, he’s just happy to be back playing football after a long nine months on the sidelines.

“Obviously the sooner the better, but at this stage, nine months is a long time without playing, so I'm just keen to get back and play some sort of footy,” he said.

"Whether I'm at Box Hill for two or three weeks or six weeks, it doesn't really bother me.

"Just getting back and playing footy is going to be an outstanding result."