FORCED to spend the majority of 2012 as the Hawks number one ruckman, utility David Hale expects to play a similar role for the Hawks in 2013.

When Max Bailey was injured on the eve of Round 1 and replacement Broc McCauley too was struck down, the Hawthorn rucks injury curse had struck again.

Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson turned to former Kangaroo David Hale and forward Jarryd Roughead as saving graces, to carry the Hawks ruck department.

It proved a fruitful move for the premiership coach, as the dynamic duo became one of the envied combinations in the league, with their versatility and talent both up forward and in the ruck a genuine asset.

Hale expects to fill a similar role when the 2013 home-and-away season kicks off for the Hawks on 1 April, something he modestly describes as working out “alright”.

“A bit of both again, I don’t think my role will change too much,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“When Maxy (Max Bailey) was injured last year, Rough (Jarryd Roughead) and I did that role and it worked out alright.

“With Maxy up and going something might change a little bit there but I’m not entirely sure what the plan is, we’ve got a lot of players who are pretty flexible.”

It is a role the 28 year old enjoyed, with the freedom to get involved in the play both in the air and on the group more frequently.

“When you’re playing the ruck you’re around the ball a lot more so you can involve yourself a bit more if things aren’t going your way,” he said.

“That’s probably the major difference because if you’re playing deep in the forward line and not having a good day, it can be a little bit hard to get involved.

“Just being around the ball a lot more and getting that chemistry with the midfielders we had last year was good and once you’re getting a few touches your confidence is probably a bit higher than it is normally.”

With the Club’s first NAB Cup match just two weeks away, Hale admits he’ll be happy to trade the runners for footy boots as the intensity and competitiveness of training heats up.

“If you’re Isaac Smith running around the park probably isn’t too bad but if you’re like me who can’t run, once you get to January-February and you start playing, and the running drops off a little bit it’s a lot more enjoyable,” he joked.

“Once the games actually start, everyone gets into that groove again and looks forward to the weekends.

“It’s the end product for all our work.”