Franklin hasn’t played in six weeks, but it hasn’t proved detrimental for the Hawks, winning five of the six matches without him.
The wins, Hodge says have come on the back of Luke Breust, Paul Puopolo and Jack Gunston stepping up to fill the void.
“With Franklin being out, it has given a lot of the other forwards more confidence, that they can kick bags of goals when they need to,” Hodge told hawthornfc.com.au
He praised Gunston in particular, who has enjoyed more time as the Hawthorn focal point up forward.
In Franklin’s absence, the former Crow has kicked 19 goals, including three bags of four.
Hodge says the 21-year-old is building confidence in his first year in the brown and gold.
“Jack Gunston has been outstanding,” he said.
“It’s about building confidence - he’s still a young guy coming across from Adelaide.
“He was still finding his feet [early in the season] but anyone who works as hard as he does [has an impact].
“It’s good to see him getting the ball and really showing us and all the supporters what he can do.”
The work of small forwards Breust and Puopolo hasn’t gone unnoticed though by the skipper.
“Luke Breust, his work rate has been outstanding,” he said.
“Poppy is chasing, tackling and he got rewarded with a few goals [against the Power].
“He’s been very good as well.”
The form of the forwards without front man Franklin doesn’t mean though, that the Hawks aren’t looking forward to the 25-year-old’s return.
Hodge expects Franklin to have an immediate impact, despite his six week break.
“We’ve been keen for Buddy to come back for a few weeks, you always want your best players out on the paddock,” he said.
“He’s going to be fresh, and whenever Franklin is fresh, he plays his best footy.
“He’s energetic, enthusiastic and is a great person to watch play footy.”
Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson are a chance to return for Saturday’s blockbuster against the Swans, after both missed the win over Gold Coast through injury.
Hodge hopes all three of Franklin, Mitchell and Gibson can bolster the Hawks heading into the top of the table clash.
“Hopefully we can get him [Franklin], Mitch and hopefully Gibbo can put his hand up as well.”
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
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