Hard return for Hodgey

The general still had it, giving plenty of advice to the promising Panthers. 286029 Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Tyler Lewis

A dream comeback to local football didn’t eventuate for Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge on Saturday but it didn’t change the wonderful scene that was Glover Reserve.

Playing a one-off game for Devon Meadows, the AFL legend unfortunately twinged a calf in the warm-up, and then suffered a compound fracture to his finger during the third term, which ultimately saw him leave the ground prematurely.

While it wasn’t a perfect day for Devon Meadows, it was certainly terrific to see a footy ground filled to the brim with people again.

On the field, Devon Meadows suffered a difficult defeat, 13.9 (87) to 12.9 (81) at the hands of the Tigers.

In other games Chelsea’s Brayden Chapple delivered Pearcedale its second successive loss with a brilliant kick after the siren to lead the Gulls to an 11.14 (80) to 11.12 (78) victory.

Five goals from Ryan Gillis weren’t enough to steer Somerville to a shoot-out victory over Karingal, 17.4 (106) to 16.13 (109).

Langwarrin torpedoed Hastings, 27.20 (182) to 4.6 (30), Mornington defeated Crib Point 11.13 (79) to 10.5 (65) and Rye overcame a valiant Tyabb, 15.11 (101) to 13.5 (83).