Whitecross hasn't played since last year's Qualifying Final against Collingwood, where he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and played no further part in the 2012 finals series.
The Hawks forward completed a training block where he took part in full sessions with his teammates before finally returning to the field for Box Hill two weeks ago.
He has played two games with the Club's VFL affiliate - starring in last week's win over Werribee where he gathered 26 touches.
Isaac Smith returns from injury to play in his 50th AFL match after missing last Friday night's win over West Coast with a corked calf.
Recently upgraded rookie ruckman Jonathon Ceglar will make his AFL debut, after impressing for Box Hill this season.
Ceglar is a 204cm ruckman acquired by the Club in last year's rookie draft, after he was cut by Collingwood at the end of the 2012 season.
The Hawks have been impressed with both his ruckwork and versatility around the ground, able to push forward and take a big mark.
Ceglar is the Club's fourth Hawthorn player to debut for the Club this year, joining Taylor Duryea, Jed Anderson and Sam Grimley. The trio are joined by three players who have also made their Club debut this year - Brian Lake, Jonathan Simpkin and Matt Spangher.
Max Bailey (knee soreness), Brent Guerra (back) and Grant Birchall will miss the match against the Lions.
Kyle Cheney, Matt Spangher and Will Langford are the three emergencies for Sunday's match.
Round 14
Hawthorn v Brisbane
Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm
FB: Stratton Lake Duryea
HB: Mitchell Gibson Hodge
C: Smith Burgoyne Hill
HF: Gunston Franklin Ellis
FF: Savage Roughead Breust
Rucks: Hale, Sewell, Lewis
IC: Ceglar, Simpkin, Whitecross, Shiels
IN: Ceglar, Smith, Whitecross
OUT: Bailey (knee soreness), Guerra (back), Birchall (knee)
