It was Hodge's first hit out since recovering from post-season knee surgery as he begins to condition himself for a return to the Hawthorn side in the coming weeks.
Box Hill ran out 31-point winners against the Scorpians at Casey Fields, with the blustery conditions proving no obstacle for the boys in brown and gold. - the final margin of 31 points testament to their s ability to convert in trying conditions, kicking 10.12.72 to Casey’s 4.17.41.
The breeze to the southern end of the ground meant Box Hill scored almost all of their 72 points in two quarters - the second and fourth, while only one goal was kicked in the third and none in the first.
While coach Damien Carroll was content with the win, he admits there are still things that need work.
“I thought most of the time we were able to get it inside 50 but we didn’t have too many people at the fall of the ball and therefore we missed a lot of opportunities to convert," he said.
“Probably the score flattered us a little bit in terms of the result, I think they had as many scoring shots.”
Hodge put in a solid performance in his first hit out, gathering 17 possessions and taking six marks.
The Hawthorn captain's leadership also shone during the match, in which he spent time in the midfield, down back and on the wing.
“They’re [Box Hill players] outstanding. Anything you say they sit and they listen and they try and implement it into their game, so it is, it is great coming back here and having a kick with them” Hodge said.
“We’ve had a great relationship with Box Hill for a number of years now, so whenever you get back you try and give as much information or as help as possible.”
Carroll was also impressed by Hodge’s team performance, saying “his leadership was enormous.”
“Even when you know you see he gets the ball smothered or whatever his intent to tackle and pressure. I wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of any of those bulldoze [tackles]” Carroll said.
Box Hill’s Xavier Murphy was among the best, with a consistent hard running four quarter effort that saw him with 20 kicks, 3 handballs and 8 marks. Dalton Graham tied with Murphy for leading possession getter with 23 disposals and two goals.
Liam Tobin played a selfless game and was instrumental in setting up key passages of play, handing off an almost sure kick at goal inside 50 to Tom Gordon who went on and converted late in the second quarter.
Box Hill’s defence, lead by captain Daniel Pratt, stood up against a persistent Scorpion attack, with Hawthorn listed players Angus Litherland and Will Langford contesting the ball at crucial moments.
Hawthorn’s Derick Wanganeen provided spark with his run and physical contest and scored a major in the second quarter. Sam Grimley, Andrew Boseley, Pat Lawlor and Amos Frank also all scored one major, while Tom Gordon had two.
With a satisfying pre-season over, the real competition begins next week when Box Hill take on VFL powerhouse Port Melbourne at home.
