Tom Scully up and running as senior Hawks figure Jason Burt departs

Hawthorn recruit Tom Scully says he is progressing well in his recovery from a horror ankle injury, but the Hawks are now on the hunt for someone to fill the club’s head people and culture role after the departure of Jason Burt.

Recruit Tom Scully is up and running, but the Hawks have farewelled ex-footy boss Jason Burt.

Hawthorn recruit Tom Scully says he is progressing well in his recovery from a horror ankle injury, but the Hawks are now on the hunt for someone to fill the club’s head people and culture role after the departure of Jason Burt.

The 27-year-old Scully, who cost the Hawks only a future fourth-round pick when he crossed from GWS in the off-season, missed most of 2018 after breaking his ankle in Round 2.

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But he says he is “heading in the right direction” in his recovery.

“I’ve obviously been getting stuck into my rehab, which is a long process, but I’ve been taking some steps forward,” Scully told the club website.

Hawthorn fans will be pleased with the news recruit Tom Scully is progressing well in his recovery from an ankle injury. Picture: Getty Images

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

Scully required surgery to repair the broken ankle and the Hawks have taken a calculated risk on the gun running machine, with the hope his dedication to rehab and on the training track will reap rewards.

“It’s (running) something that you take for granted when you are up and running and training well, it’s something that comes pretty naturally,” the former Demon said.

“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 Hawks’ remarkable off-field football factory lost another soldier last month when the long-serving Burt exited the club.

Jason Burt has left Hawthorn and coach Alastair Clarkson. Picture: Sarah Reed

Burt, who joined the Hawks in 2006 as head of player services and football admin manager, rose to become the club’s football operations boss when Chris Fagan took over as coach of the Brisbane Lions.

He spent the past year as general manager of people, culture and integrity, a new role created when Graham Wright took over as football boss.

Fox Footy reports the club has insisted the departure was Burt’s decision and he confirmed the move on LinkedIn.

“After 12 years with Hawthorn Football Club, I have decided to explore opportunities elsewhere,” he wrote.

“I wish the club all the best as they prepare for the 2019 season and their future move to the Kennedy Community Centre.

“It takes many good people to run a successful AFL club and I have been privileged to share in one of the best for so long.”

Before joining the Hawks, Burt taught at Christian College Geelong and Melbourne Grammar. He follows former high performance manager Andrew Russell (Carlton) out the door at Waverley.

Originally published as Tom Scully up and running as senior Hawks figure Jason Burt departs