The value of Luke Hodge's leadership to the Brisbane Lions' cause will be further underlined as the Lions adjust to the loss of key defender Harris Andrews, Coach Chris Fagan says.
Vice-captain Andrews is set to miss at least the next two weeks, and possibly more, after copping an elbow to the face last weekend from GWS forward Jeremy Cameron.
It earned Cameron a five-week suspension, which Fagan described as a "fair result", but it also robbed the Lions of one of their most important players for almost the entire match.
In the absence of Andrews, however, Hodge stepped up and produced a game Fagan said was as good as any in his career to date.
The evergreen veteran had 30 touches, laid four tackles, rebounded from defence six times and even kicked a goal as he marshalled the Lions' defensive operations.
"It shows there's a fair bit of life back in him," Fagan said.
"He's been a consistent performer for us this year. Last weekend he was outstanding in all facets.
"He got plenty of the ball, he used it well, and his defensive stuff, his tackling and his spoiling
The 34-year-old is contracted to the Lions for another season and Fagan said there was no indication he wouldn't see it out, although a firm decision on Hodge's playing future will be made later in the year.
Brought in almost as an on-field coach for Brisbane's young back six, Hodge's voice and direction will be even more important now that Andrews, one of the Club's emerging leaders, has been sidelined.
The Lions have named Daniel McStay at fullback to replace Andrews for Sunday's away clash with Fremantle.
"(Hodge) has been really strong in that area all year and probably been teaching the likes of Harris and Darcy Gardiner how to do it," Fagan said.
"He'll just continue like he always does, and someone else will be the beneficiary of his communication this week."
