Luke Hodge is expecting a heated contest when the Hawks meet the Demons and former teammate Jordan Lewis on Sunday at the MCG.
The Hawks’ veteran said that while the players’ primary focus will be on the ball, he wouldn’t be surprised if there are some exchanges behind the play.
“We’re out there to win the game,” Hodge said on Thursday, via Hawthorn’s Facebook page.
“If Jordan’s in between the ball and ourselves then we might have a bit of a go at him.
“If you watch behind the play, a few of the boys might give him a little bit of a sledge, but he’s always been pretty good at that himself.”
Despite being rivals on the field this weekend, Hodge says he has nothing but respect for the former Hawthorn champion.
“I’ve got so much respect for Lewy and what he’s done for our footy club, and we’re all still very good mates with him.
“[The game] will be played in good spirits.”
Read: Lewis says it will be "strange" coming up against his former teammates
While Hawthorn’s 1-5 start to the 2017 has come as a surprise to many, the three-time premiership captain believes the team are finding their feet and will improve as the season goes on.
“We’re on track for future success even though we’re going through a bit of a tough time now,” said Hodge.
“We’ve introduced new blokes from other clubs, and we’ve got young guys coming in.
“At Round 10 we’re going to be playing better football than we are at the moment, and later in the year we’ll improve even more.
“So yes, [we’re experiencing] a little bit of teething at the moment… and as much as it’s frustrating, the boys are still trying to improve and get as good as we can.”
Read: Birchall, Rioli back in Round 7 squad
See Hodge's full Q&A with fans below.
