HAWTHORN forward Paul Puopolo says the Hawks considered subbing him out before the start of last Sunday's match against the Western Bulldogs after his collision with an umpire.
 
Puopolo suffered a corked leg after he crossed paths with an emergency umpire, who was doing his own warm-up behind the Hawthorn banner as the player's ran on to Aurora Stadium.
 
The small forward, who was eventually subbed out in the third quarter, said his game could have been over before it started.
 
"Yeah, [the coaches] looked at it – they asked [if I was] going to be able to run out the whole game," Puopolo told AFL.com.au's First Bounce.
 
"Lucky enough I got to the third quarter and they said, 'We haven't used our sub yet. Let’s get you rested up'.
 
"The boys have let me know all about it. They reckon I'm the first person to get subbed out by an umpire in AFL history.
 
"I was just happy to run through the banner and the guys said 'spread it out' and I got into a full stride and an umpire came through the middle of the pack."
 
Puopolo, who described the incident as an unfortunate accident, turned his attention to Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide and said a fast start would be crucial for the Hawks.
 
The Power burst out of the blocks with 12 scoring shots in the first quarter of last year's preliminary final against Hawthorn before eventually losing by three points at the MCG.
 
"They're a great running side and if you let them get in front of you they're just going to get their confidence and keep on going," he said.
 
"We have to at least be even with them [early] to have a chance."
 
The 27-year-old said Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge was in career best form after his brilliant 44-possession game against the Bulldogs in round three.   
 
"He's a great leader and he's probably worth more with his actual recovery and getting himself right for each game," Puopolo said.
 
"That's where he's allowed his body to keep going and being a part of Hawthorn history, so hopefully he can win another flag."