Hawks skipper Luke Hodge has vowed not to rush back from a knee injury in time for round one Luke Hodge tests his knee during a training session. HAWTHORN skipper Luke Hodge says his knee "feels great," but it's a lack of conditioning and match practice that will almost certainly cost him a Round 1 berth. Hodge, who on Tuesday dismissed suggestions the Hawks' flag window was in danger of closing, will put his body through its most testing session of the pre-season on Friday when he takes part in an intra-club hit-out. But he said he was determined not to make the same mistake twice. "You're always wanting to go out and play, but I made the mistake this time last year of coming back probably a bit early with my calf and I hurt that before Round 1," Hodge said. So we deliberately haven't set a date that I'm going to be back just so we can take it as it comes. When the body feels right and they're happy I've done enough work then we're ready to go then. Everything points to Hodge spending at least a week at VFL level. But he said there was light at the end of the tunnel after surgery to fix his posterior cruciate ligament, an injury that sidelined him for most of last season. "As far as the knee (goes) I saw the surgeon three weeks ago and he said there's no limitations on your knee," he said. He said the only thing you've got to do is work with the physios and conditioning staff to get everything else; calf, hamstrings, ready for the start of the season. The knee has felt great for about a month and it's pulling up great from the sessions I've been doing. Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton last week claimed the Hawks' ageing midfield had "one year left in them" and that its flag prospects were dwindling. But Hodge said there was evidence to suggest otherwise. "I think Sydney has proven that the premiership window is a myth these days, especially with free agency," he said. In the past because you had to rebuild your list, but now with free agency you can target players from other clubs. Asked if Hawthorn had underachieved since 2008, Hodge said: "'Clarko' has always said that if you put yourself in the position enough times then you're going to salute at some stage." He said defender Josh Gibson was sore after being smashed in a marking contest against North Melbourne last weekend, but would be OK for Round 1. He said Brian Lake (calf) "was a bit of an issue," but was now feeling good.