“I think Hodge has to sit in the grandstand now.” 

Luke Hodge took Danny Frawley’s words to heart on Saturday against the GWS Giants, taking a spectacular mark that almost saw him sail into the grandstand…almost.

Hodge collected 30 touches against the Giants – the most he’s had since Round 4, 2017 – and used the ball at an incredible 93.3% efficiency.  

The veteran also kicked his first goal as a Lion and tallied seven spoils, six rebound 50s and four tackles.  

Hodgey’s influence helped steady the Lions’ backline which suffered a big loss early when Harris Andrews was cleaned up by Jeremy Cameron.

Daniel Rich stepped up and had his best game of the season, finishing with 30 touches at 83.3% efficiency, five inside 50s and five rebound 50s.

Senior Coach Chris Fagan lauded Hodge and Rich’s performances in his post-match press conference.

“Hodgey turned back the clock tonight – took that fantastic mark, kicked a goal, 30 touches…used the ball really well,” Fagan said.

“Daniel Rich played his best game of the season.

“That was the sort of form he was in in the second half of last season, but that’s the first time we’ve seen it this year.”

Overall, the Lions had just one less inside 50 than the Giants (59 v 60), but the away side had the edge in tackles (+13), marks inside 50 (+6) and contested possessions (+20). 

Lions NEAFL battle against Giants

Claye Beams was exceptional in the Lions NEAFL side’s loss to the GWS Giants on Saturday.

Beams racked up a team-high 31 disposals and kicked an equal game-high four goals.

Ben Keays was strong in his return to the NEAFL with 30 touches and three goals.

In his first game in nearly a year, Sam Skinner had 12 disposals and six intercept possessions. 

Draftee Toby Wooller was solid in his first game for the Lions, kicking two goals and assisting five scores.

The 18.3 (111) to 22.14 (146) loss was the Lions' fourth in a row, with GWS dominating most of the statistics including clearances, contested possessions and inside 50s.