With the excitement of Tom Scully joining the Hawks also came the intrigue as to how the 27-year-old was recovering from his serious ankle injury.

Late last year Hawthorn fans were buoyed by pictures of the recruit beginning a new phase of his recovery as he started running again at the pre-season camp.

The former Giant has now confirmed his recovery is tracking along nicely.

“I’ve obviously been getting stuck into my rehab, which is a long process, but I’ve been taking some steps forward,” Scully said on Wednesday.

Read: Filling the Mitch void

“I’ve started a bit of running, which has been nice - it’s heading in the right direction.” 

Already renowned for his meticulous preparation and high training standards, Scully said the injury has taught him to look after and “listen” to his body even more.

“It’s something that you take for granted when you are up and running and training well, it’s something that comes pretty naturally.

“But I guess when you haven’t done it for a while and you’re coming back from an injury, you almost have to teach yourself to run again and get the rhythm back.

“But, as I said, it’s really good to just be back out on the track and getting closer to a return to the field.”

The former Giant said he has quickly warmed to the club culture at Hawthorn.

“It’s been fantastic, I’ve really enjoyed my time so far. 

“Certainly, Hawthorn’s culture is something that has stood out for me.

“The players embrace the staff and it is a fantastic environment to come to work at every day.”