Brendan Whitecross is arguably the unluckiest man in football at present.

For the second year running he has missed the opportunity to play in a Grand Final and unlike last year, his chance to play in a premiership side.

Every football fan, not just those who bleed brown and gold would have had a heavy heart when news emerged that Whitecross had again ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the dying moments of the thrilling Preliminary Final victory over Geelong.

It was an unjust ending to the character and professionalism shown by Whitecross who had worked hard to get his chance at premiership success.

He made his comeback from the first knee reconstruction well ahead of schedule in Round 14 against Brisbane in Tasmania but took a while to hit his straps.

He made a name for himself as a lead-up half forward in 2012 – his breakout season but was instead used in a variety of roles upon his return in 2013.

From half back to midfield to half forward, Whitecross showed his versatility in his 12 matches for the year where he averaged 15.1 disposals and 5.6 marks.

His best game came against Collingwood in Round 21 when he was used as a defensive forward on Pies star, Heath Shaw.

Shaw had little influence on the game thanks to Whitecross’ ability to make him accountable and shut down his run. But while his defensive game was brilliant, it was what he managed to do with ball in hand that showed his true value.

Whitecross gathered 17 disposals, took eight marks and kicked two goals in the 35-point victory and was rightfully named amongst the best.

He also enjoyed good matches against Sydney in Round 23 and then again in the Qualifying Final, where he gathered 17 and 23 disposals respectively.

Used as the substitute in the Preliminary Final, Whitecross made an impact in the final term with his aggression and ability to find the ball and when injury struck, it came as no surprise he was striving to do all he could to tackle a Geelong player and win the ball for his team.

While he is a valuable player on the field, it is Whitecross’ ability to put the team before himself that is probably greatest attribute.

Like he did in the Qualifying Final last year after suffering injury, Whitecross celebrated victory with his teammates and refused to get caught up in his own disappointment.

He was seen embracing his teammates both on the field after the siren and in the rooms after having sung the song and showed his appreciation to the crowd as he left the MCG for the final time in 2013.

Whitecross is the ultimate team man and he has gained nothing but respect from everyone in the football community for the way in which he has handled himself through injury.

He will be a key part of the Club’s 2014 campaign and will undoubtedly be a constant figure around the Club as his teammates begin their premiership defence.

There is no doubt too, that he will come back bigger and better from this injury.

What Chris Fagan said: “‘Whitey’  fought his way back from a knee reconstruction that occurred in the finals last year, he worked his way back into the team midway through the season then unfortunately  he injured his knee again in the preliminary final, which was a real tragedy.

“He is a very talented player who can play in a variety of roles for us and that’s his real value.

“We’re sure he’ll accept the challenge of rehabilitating his knee for the second time with the same energy and enthusiasm as he did last year, hopefully when he returns he won’t have any more bad luck. He’s a very popular player with his teammates.”