JARRYD Roughead's uplifting return to football is edging closer, with the star Hawthorn forward setting his sights on playing in the upcoming pre-season series.

The 29-year-old missed all of last season, firstly due to a PCL reconstruction and then the recurrence of his melanoma in May.

Roughead was back training on day one of pre-season and - after being told he was cancer-free last month - is eyeing a comeback in the JLT Community Series.

"(My goal this year is) obviously just to get back playing," he told hawthornfc.com.au.

"I missed all of last year and have been lucky enough that we're all good to go this year, so hopefully in the coming weeks we can maybe suit up for the (JLT Community Series) and then wait and see for the footy season.

"But obviously to get back and playing amongst the boys is what you want to do and what we're here for.

"So if I can do that I will be very happy and I reckon everyone else will be too."

The Hawks kick-off their pre-season campaign against arch-rivals Geelong in Launceston on February 17.