ALEX Woodward’s football story of perseverance, resilience and reward is similar to that of another famous Hawk, Max Bailey.

Since being drafted in 2011, Woodward has endured two knee reconstructions – Bailey endured three.

He suffered the first in February 2012 and spent the year in rehab with Bailey, who was then recovering from a serious wrist injury.

Instantly a bond, a friendship was born.

“We spent a fair bit of time together in the first half of that season so we got to know each other fairly well. Our friendship really grew from there,” Woodward told hawthornfc.com.au

“He’s such a great character so he’s someone you really strive to be like. He took me under his wing not only in my first season but my second season as well during rehab.

“He really motivated me and I guess that’s really where my positive character came from, that was Maxy.”

If you ask Bailey though, it was Woodward’s own character than enabled him to get through two enormous challenges.

“When he did his knee I felt like I wanted to spend a bit more time with him and that grew when I was injured for a bit,” Bailey told hawthornfc.com.au

“He’s a positive person naturally and he’s pretty driven, probably more drive than most people realise.

“He’s an honest, loyal and hard-working person. He’s a salt of the earth kind of person, someone you’re proud to know.”

There was no greater story of the 2013 premiership than that of Bailey who finally overcame a string of injuries to play in a flag-winning side.

There is no great debut story than Woodward’s, the 21 year old midfielder whose luck finally changed.

So when Woodward made the phone call to tell his great mate he’d finally be achieving his dream, there was no one happier for him than his mentor.

“It was pretty unreal,” Bailey said.

“Whenever your mate makes his debut it’s a good feeling but knowing what he’s been through, it makes it pretty special.”

It’s fitting that Woodward, who wore number 36 for two years will make his debut in the number 39 guernsey handed to him by Bailey after announcing his retirement at the end of last year.

Woodward hoped a change in number would bring for him the same luck it did for his great mate.

It has.

“It was sad to see him retire,” Woodward said.

“(But) when he offered me his jumper, I couldn’t say yes quick enough because we were such close friends.

“I’m very excited not only to put the jumper on for Hawthorn Football Club but also to represent the jumper for Maxy as well.”

It’s fitting too, that when General Manager – Football Operations Chris Fagan and Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson needed someone to fulfill the football tradition of presenting a debutant’s first guernsey, the honour would go to the man that inspired Woodward through some of his darkest times.

Bailey, now a development coach with Richmond returned “home” to the Ricoh Centre on Friday morning to present the number 39 guernsey Woodward will wear on Saturday night.

It was a special moment that could only be achieved inside the four walls of a football club with those who understand just how much hard work, sacrifice and resilience it takes to play league football.

“I’ve seen a lot of them in my career so to be able to be on the other end of it and do it for someone who I’m close with, it’s one of my biggest thrills in football,” Bailey said.

Bailey hands over the number 39 guernsey to Woodward.