The view at the time was that this would allow the slick marksman to complete a full pre-season,with this plan now coming to fruition.
Hawthorn physical performance manager Luke Boyd said on Thursday that Gunston,30,was progressing well.
“Jack has been building a really good strength base over the past couple of months and has now commenced his running program,” Boyd said.
“He has been feeling really good after the follow-up procedure and he’s been in at the club on a regular basis lately to ensure he is getting himself in the best shape possible.
“The big focus for him has been to build his strength through his hips and back in preparation for next year.
“We anticipate that he is going to get a really strong pre-season in,given the surgery was early enough in off-season.”
Gunston was one of a handful of Hawks’ starsput on the market during this month’s trade period. Already contracted for next season,the 209-game veteran did not want to leave and a suitable deal could not be brokered. Gunston had been linked to a Collingwood move in last year’s trade period.