Media personality Danny Frawley believes former Hawthorn premiership captain Lukle Hodge needs to take a step back in his current role with the Lions.
After coming out of retirement to join the Lions on a two-year deal, Hodge has played all four games for Brisbane, collecting 19.3 disposals per contest.
Although it's his defensive work which is worrying Frawley, who told SEN Breakfast that Hodge should step aside and take a permanent seat in the stands.
“I think Hodge has to sit in the grandstand now,” Frawley said on Monday.
“I think he’s got to put his hand up and play very rarely."
Hodge was caught out on a number of occasions against Richmond on Saturday, as the Tigers had their way with the Brisbane defenders en route to a 93-point win.
The 33-year-old struggled in his role of backline general in round four, with Frawley suggesting the Tigers - like all of Brisbane's opponents so far this season - are trying to isolate Hodge in defence.
“I think Hodge is going okay, but I know for a fact sides now play through his man, that’s exactly what’s happening,” Frawley said.
“Watch the Richmond players with the ball around the centre just hold it up a little bit, they see Hodge directing traffic and they hit up his direct opponent.
“He’s showing all the aggression and he’s doing all the leadership stuff, but his actual DNA of what he’s out in the field for is to defend his direct opponent first and that’s unfortunately not happening.
“He’s got a bit of the ball and his stats look okay, but you’ve got to get behind the goal vision.”
Nick Dal Santo joined SEN Breakfast on Monday morning, and said Hodge still has an important off-field role at the Lions.
Dal Santo isn't worried about how many games the four-time premiership star plays, but knows he can still have an impact at the club during the week, guiding his younger teammates around the training track.
