Hodge will be joined by premiership stars Brad Sewell and Josh Gibson, who are named in the squad of 29, which will be trimmed to 26 before the match.
Half-back Grant Birchall has not been named and will be relying on one practice match to tune up for the Hawks' round one clash with the Brisbane Lions on March 22.
Other notable absentees are Ben Stratton, Paul Puopolo and impressive draftees Billy Hartung and Dayle Garlett.
North Melbourne has named exciting ruckman Majak Daw in its squad of 29, with midfield recruit Nick Dal Santo included for his second NAB Challenge match.
Liam Anthony, Leigh Adams, Nathan Grima and Robbie Tarrant will all miss.
The Kangaroos start their season against Essendon on March 21.
HAWTHORN v NORTH MELBOURNE
Aurora Stadium (Launceston), 7.10pm AEDT, February 21
Click here for the full NAB Challenge fixture
HAWTHORN
2. Jarryd Roughead, 3. Jordan Lewis, 4. Matt Suckling, 5. Sam Mitchell, 6. Josh Gibson, 7. Ben McEvoy 9.Shaun Burgoyne, 10. Bradley Hill, 12. Brad Sewell, 13. Kyle Cheney, 15. Luke Hodge, 16. Isaac Smith 18. Jonathon Ceglar, 19. Jack Gunston, 20. David Hale, 21. Ben Ross, 22. Luke Breust, 23. Tim O'Brien, 26. Liam Shiels, 29. Will Langford, 30. Luke Lowden, 31. Angus Litherland, 32. Jonathan Simpkin, 33. Cyril Rioli, 35. Sam Grimley, 36. Derick Wanganeen, 38. Mitch Hallahan, 39. Alex Woodward, 46. Kurt Heatherley
NORTH MELBOURNE
1. Daniel Currie, 2. Brad McKenzie, 3. Ryan Bastinac, 5. Ben Jacobs, 6. Lachlan Hansen, 7. Jack Ziebell, 8. Daniel Wells, 10.Ben Cunnington, 12. Lindsay Thomas, 14. Trent Dumont, 15. Nick Dal Santo, 16. Scott Thompson, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 21. Luke McDonald, 22. Todd Goldstein, 27. Taylor Garner, 28. Robin Nahas, 29. Brent Harvey, 31. Cam Delaney, 34. Jamie MacMillan, 35. Aaron Black, 36, Joel Tippett, 38. Majak Daw, 41.Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson, 44. Max Warren
