A 30-YEAR-OLD premiership star would normally be nursed through the pre-season competition, but Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead is expected to play all three of the Hawks' JLT Community Series games.

Roughead missed all of last season after undergoing a PCL reconstruction and then, more seriously, suffering a recurrence of melanoma. After beginning immunotherapy in June, Roughead was given the all clear by doctors in December. 

The dual All Australian made his comeback in Hawthorn's opening JLT clash against Geelong and showed little rust as he finished with 14 disposals, three clearances and a goal. 

Roughead was even more impressive against North Melbourne at Arden Street on Sunday, racking up 23 possessions – second at Hawthorn behind Tom Mitchell (26) – three clearances, three inside 50s and two goal assists. 

More importantly, he showed he had not lost his rare ability to be just as effective as the Hawks' focal point in attack and as a pinch-hitting 193cm midfielder. 

Hawthorn assistant coach Cameron Bruce said he expected Roughead would opt for more match practice ahead of round one by playing in the Hawks' final pre-season game against Port Adelaide at Adelaide's Noarlunga Oval on Sunday, March 12. 

"It will be up to 'Roughy' and the fitness staff, but I'd suggest that he'll be wanting to play," Bruce said after Hawthorn's 21-point loss to North on Sunday. 

"He's really keen on building his fitness, we've got a couple of weeks before our JLT (round) three game, so I'm sure he'll be putting his hand up to continue that path and build consistency and confidence, so he's ready to go at the start and for a long period of the season." 

Bruce said Roughead's return from a year on the sidelines had been "pretty impressive". 

"He's going to be a really good 'recruit' for us, so we're really happy with Roughy's program and progress and looking for him to lead this club to hopefully a successful year," he said.