AFTER tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the opening minutes of Hawthorn’s Qualifying Final against Collingwood, Brendan Whitecross will begin running duties shortly as he prepares for a comeback in 2013.

The injury soured what was a breakout season for the 22 year old, becoming a key figure in Alastair Clarkson’s plans for the 2012 finals series and beyond.

He averaged 20 disposals a game, six marks, two clearances, two tackles and three inside 50s per game to be a vital cog in the Hawthorn machine - always providing an option for teammates at half forward.

The Club’s Head of Coaching and Development, Chris Fagan says Whitecross’s attitude to rehabilitation has been outstanding.

“He's making very good progress with his rehab. If you didn't know that he had hurt his knee, you wouldn't know by looking at him,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“He's moving well - he'll start some running soon.

“He's one of the most diligent guys you'll ever meet.”

Fagan also revealed Whitecross would definitely make a comeback from the injury in 2013 and use his skill set to add to the depth of the Hawthorn midfield.

“He'll definitely play next year, it's just a matter of when,” he said.

“[Before he got injured] he had become an important part of our midfield,” he said.

“He'd played forward and did some good work there, but he was playing more and more in the midfield.

“He's got a good tank, he's powerful, he's hard to tackle, and once he learns completely about all the structures and things that go on in the midfield these days, we'd expect him to become a really good player in that area of the ground.”

“He'll definitely play next year, it's just a matter of when,” he said.
“[Before he got injured] he had become an important part of our midfield,” he said.
“He'd played forward and did some good work there, but he was playing more and more in the midfield.
“He's got a good tank, he's powerful, he's hard to tackle, and once he learns completely about all the structures and things that go on in the midfield these days, we'd expect him to become a really good player in that area of the ground.”