Kara Henderson has spent the last two years overcoming setbacks.

A familiar face to Hawthorn VFLW fans, Henderson has been a Hawk since the club’s inaugural season.

An immense talent, she became a premiership player in 2018 and won the Best Club Person award in 2019.

However, in December last year she injured her ACL in a training session, pushing back her plans to return to footy after the disappointing year of 2020.

Henderson was voted by her peers into the leadership team for the 2021 season and has remained a significant part of the team despite being sidelined.

The injury has left her undeterred and she’s spent the season on the bench and in the coaches’ box with Head Coach Bec Goddard.

Her wealth of experience has been valuable to the team this season, as an influx of new talent has been guided by her formidable footy knowledge.

Henderson has enjoyed learning from the coaches and has used the experience to better her own playing style.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, with the doctors allowing her to begin training again. She recently ran for the first time at training with the Hawks, and her teammates were quick to celebrate the milestone with her.

Fingers are crossed for more fitness milestones soon, as the Hawks are excited to welcome her back to the field as soon as she’s got the all clear from the doctor.