Hawthorn has confirmed star recruit Tom Scully will make his Hawks debut against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon at the MCG.
The game will signal Scully’s return from a horrific right ankle break in round two of the 2018 season.
Hawthorn poached Scully from Greater Western Sydney for a 2019 fourth-round pick in last year’s trade period, amid fears around the severity and long-term impacts of the midfielder’s injury.
The deal was widely acclaimed as a fantastic piece of business for the Hawks, reinforced by the club’s ability to have the former No.1 pick back on the park so quickly.
Despite speculation, Scully told hawthornfc.com.au that he always believed his return to football would be earlier than forecast in the media.
“There’s been a lot of commentary around when I would return and when I would play again,” Scully said.
“But for me, I haven’t really been focused on that. I’ve had a pretty clear plan from the outset outlined by the guys here at Hawthorn.
“I’ve had great confidence that I would get back and this week is another step forward.”