Hawthorn star Jarryd Roughead has continued on his path to a return to the field, running for the first time after undergoing a PCL reconstruction.

Roughead suffered the injury last season but was able to play on, winning his fourth premiership as a Hawk.

The injury flared after Christmas and after seeking further medical advice, the decision was made to send the key forward in for surgery.

Speaking to afl.com.au at the launch of Toyota’s Good for Footy Raffle yesterday, Roughead said he was progressing well.

“I started running last week. But still I’ve just got to build up from now… I’m still looking at a mid-year return,” he said.

Roughead, Hawthorn’s vice-captain, will now build on his fitness as he eyes a return to senior footy mid-year.

The Hawks have used the four-time premiership forward’s absence as a chance to blood young players such as James Sicily, who has kicked seven goals in his three matches this season. 

“He’s taken his opportunity which has been great. He gets some reward for effort after a good couple of years in the VFL, and now he’s taking his chance in the AFL," Roughead said.