IT was as much a statement as it was a return.

Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge was playing his first game back since sustaining a knee injury two months ago, in Round 6.

He performed brilliantly.

The Hawks’ inspirational leader racked up 28 disposals, playing the majority of the match across half back, to be a really important component in his side’s 26-point win against Gold Coast Suns at Aurora Stadium.

It was just his fifth game for the season, but Hodge showed no signs of being short of a run.

A ‘mini pre-season’ of sorts had the three-time premiership captain primed to return – and he didn’t disappoint.

To complement his 28 disposals, Hodge collected nine marks, six rebound 50s and four inside 50s.

Alongside the likes of Josh Gibson and Grant Birchall across half back, Hodge helped set up the game for the Hawks.

The experienced trio collected 81 disposals between them.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said it was pleasing to have the skipper back, fit and firing.

"He just reads the game so well and just gives us so much more flexibility because he can play forward, back and midfield," Clarkson said.

And with Hodge ready to tackle the second half of the season, it’s a massive boost for the Hawks, who now sit on top of the AFL ladder.

"Just the simple fact that our captain might play a fair bulk of the second half of the year will be really important for us," Clarkson said.