Brendan Whitecross is all class.

Despite suffering successive grand final heartaches the 23-year-old has thrown his support behind his replacement and Norm Goss Medalist Jonathan Simpkin.

It’s hard to believe how one could be so selfless, but the photos of Whitecross celebrating the grand final berth in the rooms after the win is evidence enough.

Whitecross’ congratulatory tweet to Simpkin has received more than 200 retweets and 100 favorites.

His grace is of no surprise to teammate Jordan Lewis who reports that despite his misfortune, the man they call Bushy hasn’t stopped smiling.

“He’s an interesting guy, Whitey — I don’t think he’s ever had a bad day,” Lewis said.

In the final minutes of the preliminary final against Geelong a routine change of direction caused the ACL in his right knee to rupture. Tragically, Whitecross was robbed of a grand final appearance for the same injury last season.

There is heartache at the grand final selection table every year; in 2012 it was Sydney nugget Ben McGlynn and Hawthorn cannon ball Brent Guerra who missed through injury.

While Fremantle have the luxury of naming an unchanged line-up, Hawthorn will be boosted by the ability to reward Jonathan Simpkin for his persistence and insistence on living his dream.

The former Swan and Cat has played 13 games this year to take his career tally to 17 (he played 4 with Geelong in 2012), the last of those coming in Round 20.

His 26-possession best-on-ground performance for Box Hill in the VFL grand final last Sunday was nothing if not timely.

Simpkin’s unique journey to the big time is the ultimate silver lining for the Hawks in what is otherwise a cruel blow to a popular teammate.

From the Geelong Falcons, Simpkin was rookie listed by the Swans for the 2006 season, but he was delisted after two seasons without playing a game. He returned to Colac and played with Geelong in the VFL. He won a spot on the rookie list for 2011 and proceeded to win two VFL best and fairest awards before finding a spot on the Hawthorn senior for 2013.

That’s very brief summation, with plenty of scenes missing. There is no doubt Simpkin has overcome rejection and self-doubt en route to the MCG and the last day in September.

2013 has been his most prolific AFL season to date with, his ability to come off the bench or out of the substitute vest and have an impact one of the key reasons why he got the nod at the selection table for the big dance.

Alistair Clarkson described Simpkin as the ideal horses for courses selection and with four state league grand finals to his name that is hard to argue with.

There wouldn’t be many 17-game players better equipped to handle such an occasion.