Bramble, a BFNL team of the year player in 2019, was picked up by Hawthorn as a rookie in the AFL's pre-season supplemental selection period.

The move started a last-minute scramble to replace the gun speedster.

"We were probably really stiff with Lachie because we lost him as late as February or March," Hodgson said.

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"His last 20 games of footy were for the Sunbury footy club. Usually there's a transition between your local club and the VFL before they get to the AFL level.

"To have him taken straight to Hawthorn is unusual and you certainly can't replace a player of his calibre in such a short time.

"So, that one's going to sting a bit no doubt."

Bramble previously played for Williamstown in the VFL before stepping away from the second-tier competition to go full-time with Sunbury in 2019.

The 22-year-old initially signed with Hawthorn's VFL afilliate, Box Hill, for 2021 before his impressive pre-season performances saw him elevated to the elite ranks.

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Hodgson conceded it was going to be tough to replace Bramble's run-and-carry but had no doubts his recruits would step up to the mark.

"Although we haven't brought in anyone at Lachie's level, we've brought in similar types and kids that can really run," he said.

"They have similar traits to Lachie, they're just not at his level."

Former VFL star Daniel Toman is a 2020 signing who will finally get to step out for the Lions, joining fellow recruit Tyson Lever. Mobile ruck David Kovacevic will also play when available.

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