JAMES Frawley will be the first to admit that his debut in brown and gold did not meet expectations, Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge says.
The former Demon got plenty of game time on the backline during Thursday night's 0.17.14 (116) to 2.8.6 (72) NAB Challenge loss to Collingwood in Launceston, but the 26-year-old was far from his best.
"Last night wasn't a great start for him and he'll be the first to say that," Hodge said after Frawley's 10-possession return.
"It was a tough night early for him.
"We've still got another 38 days until we play round one and he'll be better for it."
With fellow Hawks defender Kaiden Brand leaving Aurora Stadium early in the match with a dislocated left shoulder, Frawley played for longer than anticipated.
While Frawley didn't shine during the NAB Challenge opener, he's ticking plenty of other boxes for the club.
"All we're expecting from (him) is just to start to play with the guys (and) understand how we play as a defensive unit," Hodge said.
"As far as how he's been received by the boys, they love 'Chippy'."
Despite the result, Hodge said Thursday's hit-out gave crucial game time to young players.
"There is a fair bit you want to get out of it, not so much the result," he said.
Hodge was absent from the game along with a raft of other senior premiership players, who are expected to make a staggered return to competition over coming weeks, starting with the March 8 meeting with North Melbourne at Shepparton.
"I think you'll see probably six or seven of the older guys probably play that game," Hodge said.
"At this stage barring injury, we'll be playing the (Shepparton) game."
