Hawk having change of AFL luck

Hawthorn's shattering AFL qualifying final loss to Geelong had some richly-deserved reward for Brendan Whitecross.

The defender was one of the Hawks' best in the two-point defeat.

It continues a change of fortunes for the 26-year-old, who has had to overcome two knee reconstructions in his 96-game career.

By playing on Friday night, Whitecross also apparently ensured he will stay with the Hawks next season.

He hasn't played in any of their past three premierships but broke back into the senior team in round 17 and has featured in every game since.

The AFL website reported on Saturday that Friday's qualifier was particularly significant for him.

It was Whitecross' eighth game for the season and that apparently triggered a clause in his contract that will keep him at the Hawks in 2017.

He didn't re-sign with the club until late October last year on a one-year contract.