HAWTHORN skipper Luke Hodge has described his knee injury as a 'minor hiccup' in a long season.
Hodge sustained a lateral meniscus tear early in the Hawks' 75-point loss to GWS Giants on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old will undergo surgery on the injury today, which will keep him out of action for four to six weeks.
Hodge spoke to AFL.com.au on Tuesday.
"It’s happened in the past (people getting injured) and we’ve been able to get through it," he said.
"This is a minor hiccup with a long season to go."
Hodge said he wasn't aware of the extent of the injury during Saturday's match.
He played 77 per cent game time, finishing with 20 disposals.
"I got a bit of a shock yesterday, when we found out the extent (of the injury)," Hodge said.
The Hawks hold a 4-2 record after the opening six rounds, and sit in eighth spot on the ladder.
While some people have questioned the Hawks after the loss to the Giants, Hodge said his side knows it's still early in the season.
"We’re four and two… people look at it as doom and gloom, (but) we’re ahead of where we were last year," Hodge said.
"Yeah we’re not playing great football, but still, in saying that we’re in the eight and we’re getting some good games into some young guys who have been impressive so far."
