Hodge challenge a smart move

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge leaves the AFL tribunal after his successful challenge against a rough conduct charge. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

HAWTHORN was thinking way past West Coast on Friday night when it risked a one-game penalty for Luke Hodge rather than grab the obvious reprimand offer.

While Hodge no doubt believed he didn't intentionally lay a high bump, it's equally certain the premiership contender didn't want their skipper vulnerable to suspension in the second half of the season, particularly finals time, with 93 dangerous demerit points hanging over him from accepting the reprimand.

Hodge beats tribunal charge

Better to take a punt at getting Hodge off the rough conduct charge. That strategy would leave him with either a 2013 clean slate or, at worst, an enforced rest this round and carrying a minor 25 points that wouldn't impact so severely on any further charge this season.

While the 10-1 Hawks won't admit it, they have started carefully modifying player programs - even on game day - in a bid to have the healthiest possible list for September. And no one is more important than their versatile and inspirational leader, who was virtually crippled by injury in the finals series last year.

Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge will challenge a rough conduct charge following a collision in the Hawks' win over Carlton.

So, Hodge missing a home game against a still weakened West Coast was a price they were prepared to pay. More importantly, it would have been the second break in three weeks for his battering ram body that ticked over to 29 years just last weekend. Another mid-season refresher for a must-have playmaker.

Now, he will be raring to go against the Eagles. And there's no carry-over points to be a menace should he mess up a bump or tackle next time.

Sure, that reprimand escape route would have been appealing. But Hodge in the coach's box instead of the middle of the MCG on Friday night could still have proved a smart move in three months time.