IT was 576 days since Brendan Whitecross last played at AFL level and he couldn't contain his excitement when he found out he would be playing against the Bulldogs. 

Whitecross had not played since injuring his anterior cruiciate ligament for a second time in the Preliminary Final win against Geelong in 2013 with the first time being against Collingwood in the 2012 Qualifying Final. 

After being placed on the long term injury list for all of 2014, Whitecross has missed the Hawks' last three Grand Finals apperances but has been there to support his teammates on every occasion. 

He spoke to HawksTV about his long journey and the moment that he found out that he would finally be playing again.