Three-time premiership Hawk Jack Gunston is priming himself for a strong pre-season after successful surgery on a back injury that cruelled his 2021 campaign.

The Hawks forward underwent follow-up surgery in early August after the initial procedure in December 2020.

Gunston was restricted to just one game this year after arguably the best season of his career in 2020 in which he won a maiden Peter Crimmins Medal whilst also being named in the All Australian squad.

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But Hawthorn Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd suggests there are blue skies ahead for the renowned goalkicker as the club’s pre-season kick-off approaches.

“Jack has been building a really good strength base over the past couple of months and has now commenced his running program,” Boyd said.

“He has been feeling really good after the follow-up procedure and he’s been in at the club on a regular basis lately to ensure he is getting himself in the best shape possible.

“The big focus for him has been to build his strength through his hips and back in preparation for next year.

“We anticipate that he is going to get a really strong pre-season in given the surgery was early enough in off-season.”