Whitecross, 24, had to undergo his second reconstruction after injuring the knee in last year's preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG.
His recovery stalled slightly recently and a mutual decision was made to focus on coming back in 2015.
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Hawthorn football manager Chris Fagan told AFL.com.au the decision was a pragmatic one due to timing, rather than an indication anything unexpected had happened to Whitecross.
"It was always going to be touch and go," Fagan said.
He said the slight delay in Whitecross's progress made the decision relatively easy in the end.
"We thought 'what is the point in trying to push him to the edge when he can get another full pre-season in and be available for a full pre-season next year, particularly when it is on his second reconstruction?'" Fagan said.
Whitecross had his first reconstruction after injuring his knee in the 2012 Qualifying Final against Collingwood.
He returned in round 14, 2013 and played 12 consecutive games before hurting his knee again in the 2013 preliminary final.
The injuries meant the hard-at-it forward missed both of Hawthorn's Grand Final appearances in those two years.
Fagan said the popular clubman had used his time well during 2014 and was very supportive of the club's young players. He said caution was the best policy in Whitecross's case.
"You just don't want to press the boundaries and see them do it again because you have tried to rush them back," Fagan said.
Hawthorn's Alex Woodward made his debut on Saturday night after two knee reconstructions while Matt Suckling and Ryan Schoenmakers have been good contributors after missing 2013 with ACL injuries.
Once 2015 rolls around Fagan expects Whitecross to be fit and ready to join his teammates on the ground.
"He should be fine," Fagan said.
Hawthorn football manager Chris Fagan told AFL.com.au the decision was a pragmatic one due to timing, rather than an indication anything unexpected had happened to Whitecross.
"It was always going to be touch and go," Fagan said.
He said the slight delay in Whitecross's progress made the decision relatively easy in the end.
"We thought 'what is the point in trying to push him to the edge when he can get another full pre-season in and be available for a full pre-season next year, particularly when it is on his second reconstruction?'" Fagan said.
Whitecross had his first reconstruction after injuring his knee in the 2012 Qualifying Final against Collingwood.
He returned in round 14, 2013 and played 12 consecutive games before hurting his knee again in the 2013 preliminary final.
The injuries meant the hard-at-it forward missed both of Hawthorn's Grand Final appearances in those two years.
Fagan said the popular clubman had used his time well during 2014 and was very supportive of the club's young players. He said caution was the best policy in Whitecross's case.
"You just don't want to press the boundaries and see them do it again because you have tried to rush them back," Fagan said.
Hawthorn's Alex Woodward made his debut on Saturday night after two knee reconstructions while Matt Suckling and Ryan Schoenmakers have been good contributors after missing 2013 with ACL injuries.
Once 2015 rolls around Fagan expects Whitecross to be fit and ready to join his teammates on the ground.
"He should be fine," Fagan said.
