Luke Hodge or Jimmy Bartel?

[HODGEYROAD]

who would you prefer in your team?

[TheBigUnit]

Hodge. WC have a quite few good young extractors, but really lack someone with the offensive hurt factor and game breaking ability of Hodge.

[Lynch takes a mark]

Bartel is a quality extractor and user, doesn't kick many goals or ever win a game off his own boot

Hodge is a quality extractor and an excellent user of the ball, kicks plenty of goals and has won a few games off his own boot

I would swing towards Hodgey, mostly because he is my favourite player in the comp

[SA HAWK]

Hodge. Far more versatile. Bartel is just a midfielder and an awesome one at that.

[Dippers_Mullet]

Bah, my favourite player outside of Hawthorn v one of my favourites at Hawthorn.

Both are quality marks. Both can kick goals.

Both not overly quick, though Hodgey gets some pure momentum behind his runs to break tackles/packs.

Both have top notch skills and footy smarts, though Hodge edges it here. Hodge is also a leader.

Hodge is more versatile, as he can play any possition on the field bar FB.

But, Bartel has a brownlow.

............... All in all, I'd take Hodge.

[Claude Balls]

The short term consciousness of many BF posters is highly irritating. It's like last week's love fest among Carlton fans about Judd because he had 15 or so contested possesions Vs Port. They seem to have forgotten that he had NOT recaptured ANY of his 2005 and 2006 form in the 10 weeks preceding the Port game.

Now we have another Hodge Vs Bartel poll, created by a Hawthorn fan hoping that the fact Hodge just played a decisive roll in a victory not less than 24 hours earlier will swing the blind masses to vote for him. And I'm tipping that Bartel's relatively mediocre form of late played an important part in the creation of this poll as well.

For the record, Bartel is injured and Hodge has been injured. So this poll is just not quite right.

If Bartel gets over his niggle and he and Hodge are at their respective bests over the latter stage of the year, including finals, then this would be a good poll.

[betterthanu]

Hodge

[Power King]

Hodge

Bartel is a ____ing gun though

[Dippers_Mullet]

The short term consciousness of many BF posters is highly irritating. It's like last week's love fest among Carlton fans about Judd because he had 15 or so contested possesions Vs Port. They seem to have forgotten that he had NOT recaptured ANY of his 2005 and 2006 form in the 10 weeks preceding the Port game.

Now we have another Hodge Vs Bartel poll, created by a Hawthorn fan hoping that the fact Hodge just played a decisive roll in a victory not less than 24 hours earlier will swing the blind masses to vote for him. And I'm tipping that Bartel's relatively mediocre form of late played an important part in the creation of this poll as well.

For the record, Bartel is injured and Hodge has been injured. So this poll is just not quite right.

If Bartel gets over his niggle and he and Hodge are at their respective bests over the latter stage of the year, including finals, then this would be a good poll.

Hodge is clearly not in the best shape either.

You're right about everything there though.

[Schmick]

This is a nice easy one. Hodge.

[Claude Balls]

Hodge is clearly not in the best shape either.

You're right about everything there though.

Yeah, I'm not concerned with Hodge winning this poll, because he is a gun player. I'm only concerned with this thread's sudden emergence given the circumstances of this round. Happens too much on BigFooty. When the Pies smashed the Cats, the Didak Vs SJ poll was bumped, and it will no doubt be double-bumped today by Cats fans, as it was two weeks ago when SJ had a blinder... People seem to think one week's worth of football can erase months..

Anyway, I would be interested to see how this poll would eventuate if Bartel was 100% and playing like he did last year. And of course if Hodge was 100% also.

[tazhawk]

Hodge.................................. and by a fair way.

Watch all the Geelong Nuffies come in with cries of "but Bartlel has a Brownlow".

FFS............... Libba and Woewoful won Brownlows.

[tin can sam]

Hodge.................................. and by a fair way.

Watch all the Geelong Nuffies come in with cries of "but Bartlel has a Brownlow".

FFS............... Libba and Woewoful won Brownlows.

Who gives a ____ about the Brownlow.

Bartel is currently better then Hodge, Brownlow or not.

Although I'd assume by the end of their respective careers, Hodge will be seen as the better player.

[Hodgepodge]

i put hodgelldoodledoo because he hurts people, and his last 4 games have been outstanding.

[apex]

man .. considering they are both from the 2001 super draft ..

I would say Hodge .. don't get me wrong BOTH are ELITE players, but Hodge has that hurt factor that Bartel doesn't, Bartel is more of a workhorse, their are no real defining qualities, he's pretty much good at everything without being special. Where as Hodge's kicking (IMO) sets him just a little bit apart from Bartel.

Both are awesome to watch though.

[cat_fanatic_21]

The timing of this thread is convenient.:rolleyes:

On current form you'd take Hodge.

At the end of their careers Bartel will have at least one Brownlow and have played in at least one premiership.

At the moment, Hodge is a great player in a team that is second best, while Bartel has a Brownlow and a Premiership.

[Claude Balls]

Hodge.................................. and by a fair way.

Watch all the Geelong Nuffies come in with cries of "but Bartlel has a Brownlow".

FFS............... Libba and Woewoful won Brownlows.

Add Shane Crawford to that list of yours nuffie.

[matey]

Hodge is more skillful and more damaging. Good indication of Hodge being the better choice is that most guys who choose Bartel are Cats fans, most non-Cats fans are choosing Hodge.

[detox]

Add Shane Crawford to that list of yours nuffie.

Hahaha

Crawfs brownlow years were outstanding. He dominated everyone in a terrible team. Plus he missed out on a double by a vote.

Joke of a comment

[Claude Balls]

Hahaha

Crawfs brownlow years were outstanding. He dominated everyone in a terrible team. Plus he missed out on a double by a vote.

Joke of a comment

I was follwing on from your joke poster Taxhawk. I personally don't think Shane Crawford is in the 'unworthy' category of Brownlow winners, so don't get your knickers in a knot. Just responding in kind to the original post.. you should take a look.

[Lunchlady Doris]

The short term consciousness of many BF posters is highly irritating. It's like last week's love fest among Carlton fans about Judd because he had 15 or so contested possesions Vs Port. They seem to have forgotten that he had NOT recaptured ANY of his 2005 and 2006 form in the 10 weeks preceding the Port game.

Now we have another Hodge Vs Bartel poll, created by a Hawthorn fan hoping that the fact Hodge just played a decisive roll in a victory not less than 24 hours earlier will swing the blind masses to vote for him. And I'm tipping that Bartel's relatively mediocre form of late played an important part in the creation of this poll as well.

For the record, Bartel is injured and Hodge has been injured. So this poll is just not quite right.

If Bartel gets over his niggle and he and Hodge are at their respective bests over the latter stage of the year, including finals, then this would be a good poll.

Never a truer post was made on BF.

[geelong_crazy26]

if the coaches were to pick between the 2 players most would go for bartell.He is better at winning the ball and is a much better overhead mark.The fact that he has a brwonlow and a premiership medal compared to hodge who has nothing supports the fact that bartell is superior

I think hodge is very much overrated , bartell could go forward like hodge does and do a better job as he is a better mark its just that hes not needed to.Who cares if hodge goes back and gets cheep kicks in the back line as the lose man

also hodge was very disappointing in last years semi final so points against him for that , bartell any day of the week

[delirious1]

if the coaches were to pick between the 2 players most would go for bartell.He is better at winning the ball and is a much better overhead mark.The fact that he has a brwonlow and a premiership medal compared to hodge who has nothing supports the fact that bartell is superior

I think hodge is very much overrated , bartell could go forward like hodge does and do a better job as he is a better mark its just that hes not needed to.Who cares if hodge goes back and gets cheep kicks in the back line as the lose man

also hodge was very disappointing in last years semi final so points against him for that , bartell any day of the week

Could your learn how to spell your own players names right?

[Hodgepodge]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GqpUgR5lSg8

[BudddddyLove]

if the coaches were to pick between the 2 players most would go for bartell.He is better at winning the ball and is a much better overhead mark.The fact that he has a brwonlow and a premiership medal compared to hodge who has nothing supports the fact that bartell is superior

I think hodge is very much overrated , bartell could go forward like hodge does and do a better job as he is a better mark its just that hes not needed to.Who cares if hodge goes back and gets cheep kicks in the back line as the lose man

also hodge was very disappointing in last years semi final so points against him for that , bartell any day of the week

You are the most biased supporter on this site.
Watch the video the post above mine. See Hodge leaping over Roughead to take a mark? Hodge's marking >>>>> Bartels. How many goals from 60 m out on the run do you see Bartel kicking as well.
You can't even spell Bartel's name right hahaha you tool.
And before you bring up the crap about last years semi, even a blind fool could have realised Hodge was playing injured that game.
Bartel is a damn good player and is currently out of form (looking forward to watch him play later on in the year) but currently I think Hodge has a few more strings to his bow.

[adam1302]

i think it is very close in different ways but Hodge just because he can rip a game apart.

[tin can sam]

You are the most biased supporter on this side.
Watch the video the post above mine. See Hodge leaping over Roughead to take a mark? Hodge's marking >>>>> Bartels. How many goals from 60 m out on the run do you see Bartel kicking as well.
You can't even spell Bartel's name right hahaha you tool.
And before you bring up the crap about last years semi, even a blind fool could have realised Hodge was playing injured that game.
Bartel is a damn good player and is currently out of form (looking forward to watch him play later on in the year) but currently I think Hodge has a few more strings to his bow.

Very Very incorrect.

Hodge is good above his head, but has nothing on Bartel.

It's like saying Bartel is a better kick, Bartel has very good footskills but Hodge is simply a better user of the football.

[BudddddyLove]

Very Very incorrect.

Hodge is good above his head, but has nothing on Bartel.

It's like saying Bartel is a better kick, Bartel has very good footskills but Hodge is simply a better user of the football.

I actually think Hodge's marking is underrated considering he is a midfielder. He has super core strength so is able to push forward and outmuscle opponents in marking contests. He can also take a pack mark as shown in the video clip. He has taken numerous marks like that which aren't currently on youtube.
If Bartel (who is around the same height as Hodge) is able to better hodge in this area I would be very impressed, I haven't seen much of Bartel this year but I always notice his midfield work.

[anti.]

bartel easily.

hodge is great but the all round game of bartel is hard to ignore...does he ever play a bad game? i cant recall one in recent times. he extracts the ball and uses it well when in space.

i think hodge is more fashionable in that he's more skillful and talented, but if i was building a team i would rather bartel in my team over hodge.

[Dippers_Mullet]

if the coaches were to pick between the 2 players most would go for bartell.He is better at winning the ball and is a much better overhead mark.The fact that he has a brwonlow and a premiership medal compared to hodge who has nothing supports the fact that bartell is superior

I think hodge is very much overrated , bartell could go forward like hodge does and do a better job as he is a better mark its just that hes not needed to.Who cares if hodge goes back and gets cheep kicks in the back line as the lose man

also hodge was very disappointing in last years semi final so points against him for that , bartell any day of the week

Haha.

No wonder everyone on here thinks you're an idiot.

[Dippers_Mullet]

Very Very incorrect.

Hodge is good above his head, but has nothing on Bartel.

It's like saying Bartel is a better kick, Bartel has very good footskills but Hodge is simply a better user of the football.

Has nothing? You're having a laugh.

Both are fantastic marks above their head. There's nothing between them there.

[Hodgepodge]

the media says that bartel is perhaps the best overhead mark for a midfielder . . . but they might have said that just after he won the brownlow, and you know how they get carried away sometimes . . . they're both very good overhead, i picked hodge on his versatility and sublime skills.

[davey_magik]

Bartel is a better mark than Hodge.

However Hodge is superior in all other areas. If they played against Melbourne I'd rather Bartel get 40 possessions than Hodge get 25, because Hodge simply hurts you more.

Bartel is a very good player but overrated IMO. I don't think he hurts teams as much as some people think.

[geelong_crazy26]

You are the most biased supporter on this site.
Watch the video the post above mine. See Hodge leaping over Roughead to take a mark? Hodge's marking >>>>> Bartels. How many goals from 60 m out on the run do you see Bartel kicking as well.
You can't even spell Bartel's name right hahaha you tool.
And before you bring up the crap about last years semi, even a blind fool could have realised Hodge was playing injured that game.
Bartel is a damn good player and is currently out of form (looking forward to watch him play later on in the year) but currently I think Hodge has a few more strings to his bow.

hodge is a gun, sure their is a few videos out their of bartel taking top marks as well.heard a number of experts say bartel is the best mark for his size in the comp.Just look at the long goals bartel kicked against port in the gf last year and in rnd 10

sorry but hodge was fine in last years semi, might not of been 100% but very few are and you are just trying to make excuses for him

[#6 Mark Williams]

Whats your excuse for Bartel this season, he won a brownlow therefore recent form means nothing?

[CrazyQ]

Hodge is the better footballer, but Bartel is better overhead.

[Claude Balls]

Bartel's skills are actually very good. Sure he doesn't get recognised in this area like Hodge does, but he is more than capable of kicking goals from outside 50. In fact, he is probably one of the more prolific goal scorers of the top tier midfielders.

Also, I can detect several people, mostly Hawthorn fans, referring to Bartel's recent form in terms of it being a brownlow hangover. Don't try to suggest he is overrated. He is currently carrying an injury, and has not been started in the midfield on more than a handful of occasions this year as his body is struggling to cope with the bang crash type stuff.

Anyway, that's exactly why this thread has been created at this time I suppose, so I may as well get over it.

Oh, and while Hodge is a great mark for a midfielder, Bartel is better.

[MinerBoy]

if the coaches were to pick between the 2 players most would go for bartell.

Probably the most incorrect statement ever made on BF, without any disrespect to Bartel. However, that is just plain wrong.

[Cheshire Cat]

Hodge I'd have to say

[Asty]

who would you prefer in your team?

Depends on situation.


If I needed someone to bust a pack and kick a match winning goal then Hodge.

If I needed someone to drop into the hole and take a strong overhead mark while a big FF tries to kill him then Bartel.

[tazhawk]

Hodge I'd have to say

An unbiased geelong supporter............ well done. :thumbsu:

[matey]

Depends on situation.


If I needed someone to bust a pack and kick a match winning goal then Hodge.

If I needed someone to drop into the hole and take a strong overhead mark while a big FF tries to kill him then Bartel.

You are f******g kidding me, Hodge is one of the last blokes to flinch when you have to put your body on the line and it does not matter who is coming at him. He sacrifices his body all the time. You have got no idea about Hodge, maybe you should watch some other teams play.

[Tarquin]

Imagine if Hodge had missed that kick on goal, there is NO way this thread would have been started.

I actually picked "level", here are the reasons for this selection.

Bartel - Premiership and a Brownlow. Bartel has the ability to rack up a heap of possessions and is one of the best marks in the game. Bartel has amazing courage and hardness.
Hodge - Is one of the top 5 players with regards to disposal, absolutely lethal. Leadership and hardness are his strengths.
Kick = Hodge
Handpass = Level
Mark = Bartel
Courage = Level
Leadership = Hodge
Success = Bartel.

As you can see, both players are rather even, IF Hodge wins the premiership he may just jump ahead. If Bartel wins another premiership this year, then it would be hard to to not consider Bartel as the best.

[Claude Balls]

You are f******g kidding me, Hodge is one of the last blokes to flinch when you have to put your body on the line and it does not matter who is coming at him. He sacrifices his body all the time. You have got no idea about Hodge, maybe you should watch some other teams play.

Yikes, calm down! He never said Hodge is lacking in this regard... he just said he'd prefer Bartel. Hodge is as tough as nails, no one is questioning that fact. Bartel is exceptionally courageous too however, and has made a point of running back with the flight and taking great marks in defence... it's not an unreasonable to claim Bartel is better at it, despite the fact that Hodge is very good.

[matey]

Yikes, calm down! He never said Hodge is lacking in this regard... he just said he'd prefer Bartel. Hodge is as tough as nails, no one is questioning that fact. Bartel is exceptionally courageous too however, and has made a point of running back with the flight and taking great marks in defence... it's not an unreasonable to claim Bartel is better at it, despite the fact that Hodge is very good.

How can someone be better at running back with the flight of the ball? You either do it or you are soft and don't. Both are players who do it.

Out of all the players going around today Hodge is the closest you get as a package to recent champions that retired in Roo/Voss. Hodge has the best mix of skill, toughness and leadership out of any player running around today. I like Jimmy alot but his skills are not in the same class.

[Tarquin]

Hodge has the best mix of skill, toughness and leadership out of any player running around today.

I would still take Judd in full flight over Hodge ANY day of the year.

[catters078]

who would you prefer in your team?


how many brownlows and flags does hodge have :D

na hodge is probably in my top 5 players who dont wear the hoops...

[cats2rise]

Bartel is a better mark and goal kicker.
Hodge is a better kick.
Hodge has an overall better game.
Bartel, however, is capable of matching that but has been quiet this year.

However, Bartel plays for Geelong so he is better. :)

[matey]

how many brownlows and flags does hodge have :D

na hodge is probably in my top 5 players who dont wear the hoops...

So is Budda Hocking a dud cause he has no flags, is Mathews a dud cause he has no Charlie?

Don't get me wrong I admire Bartell as a player and he seems like a fantastic dude off-field but its not disrespectful in favouring Hodge, he is my favourite player I just love the way he goes about playing footy.

[geelong_crazy26]

So is Budda Hocking a dud cause he has no flags, is Mathews a dud cause he has no Charlie?

Don't get me wrong I admire Bartell as a player and he seems like a fantastic dude off-field but its not disrespectful in favouring Hodge, he is my favourite player I just love the way he goes about playing footy.

having a brownlow and a premiership medal dosent make you a better player than someone who hasnt got one, but it makes you a better player than you would be without them.Why shouldnt players be considered better for being part of footys ultimate achievement and ultimate individual award ?

[hendo8888]

hodge by the smallest of margins
i'd say his goal kicking abilities would be a big asset
that said bartel would be awesome as well

[Dippers_Mullet]

Bartel is a better mark and goal kicker.
Hodge is a better kick.
Hodge has an overall better game.
Bartel, however, is capable of matching that but has been quiet this year.

However, Bartel plays for Geelong so he is better. :)

That's just wrong though. He's not a better marker or goalkicker* at all, in fact they'd be rather even.

Hodge is an absolutely terrific mark, if you've watched him play you'd realise this. I've watched Bartel play, he's my favourite player (along with Corey and formerly Cousins) outside of Hawthorn. They's no discernable difference there.

* Do you mean accuracy wise or just in general? Accuracy wise you have a case, Hodge can be a bit suss at times.

[GreaT SourcE]

Both outstanding players, both players can win games off their own boot and both have outstanding leadership qualities...I'd say they're level in my books...

[Dippers_Mullet]

Another fantastic comparison of Geelong and Hawthorn players would be Mackie and Birchall.

This one's been on my mind for a while now as clearly the similarities are there for all to see. Both extremely good backmen capable of taking players out of a game and rebounding with aplomb.

[cats2rise]

That's just wrong though. He's not a better marker or goalkicker* at all, in fact they'd be rather even.

Hodge is an absolutely terrific mark, if you've watched him play you'd realise this. I've watched Bartel play, he's my favourite player (along with Corey and formerly Cousins) outside of Hawthorn. They's no discernable difference there.

* Do you mean accuracy wise or just in general? Accuracy wise you have a case, Hodge can be a bit suss at times.

Bartel has sensational hands for his height. I think Hodge is a good mark too, but I still believe Bartel is better. Many many times Bartel out-marks an opponent. Not sure why you bolded that bit... Bias aside, I think Bartel is a better mark.

And regarding goal kicking, I hardly ever see Bartel miss a goal while he seems to score goals alot more (it might jsut be the half a dozen hawks games I get to see a year Hodge doesnt kick any) and as you said, he can be a bit suss while kicking for goal.

[Dippers_Mullet]

Bartel has sensational hands for his height. I think Hodge is a good mark too, but I still believe Bartel is better. Many many times Bartel out-marks an opponent. Not sure why you bolded that bit... Bias aside, I think Bartel is a better mark.

And regarding goal kicking, I hardly ever see Bartel miss a goal while he seems to score goals alot more (it might jsut be the half a dozen hawks games I get to see a year Hodge doesnt kick any) and as you said, he can be a bit suss while kicking for goal.

I just highlighted it because I don't see any discernable difference between the two. Both are fantastic marks. Hodge too outmarks his opponent and takes pack-marks, and is a terrific reader of the flight of the ball.

Hodge has him for goal kicking this season, to date that is. I think Bartel's a more accurate shot, but as for the amount of goals they'll kick the difference will be minescule.

[cats2rise]

Yes, Bartel has been quiet this year. However, Ablett has taken another step :)

[PoidaCat]

Is this some sort of sick Joke.

Bartel >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Daylight >>>>>> (Chubby kid playing Division 4) Hodge...

Bartel = better kick, better mark. Just better in general. :thumbsu:

What an embarrassing thread. :thumbsd:

[Dippers_Mullet]

Is this some sort of sick Joke.

Bartel >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Daylight >>>>>> (Chubby kid playing Division 4) Hodge...

Bartel = better kick, better mark. Just better in general. :thumbsu:

What an embarrassing thread. :thumbsd:

ok.

we've been told lads, let's close this one up already.

[Kent_Kingsley]

god everyone is so jealous of geelongs dominance..people starting dumb threads and then beating down individuals and the team itself.

Bartel:thumbsu:

[pizzor]

HODGE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> BARTEL (overated imo)

and if hodge was in bartel's postition (winning a GF, brownlow and playing for geelong) the geelong supporters would definitely be sayin hodge is the better player.

[Masten2McKinley]

Bartell gets more ball but hodge is more damaging so i pick hodge

[QuietHawk]

having a brownlow and a premiership medal dosent make you a better player than someone who hasnt got one, but it makes you a better player than you would be without them.Why shouldnt players be considered better for being part of footys ultimate achievement and ultimate individual award ?
Sorry mate you are incorrect. the AFLA MVP is a much higher award than the Brownlow.

The Brownlow is the umpires favourite for the year.

The MVP is the who the players think is best.

who's opinion do you respect more?

Back on topic. I chose Hodge becuase i have a serious mancrush on him. However, upon consideration of the 2 players i think i would have a mancrush on Bartel if he wore a better coloured jumper.

[Lunchlady Doris]

Whats your excuse for Bartel this season, he won a brownlow therefore recent form means nothing?

Why does he need an excuse when he has better averages than Hodge in just about every category this season?

[Lunchlady Doris]

You are f******g kidding me, Hodge is one of the last blokes to flinch when you have to put your body on the line and it does not matter who is coming at him. He sacrifices his body all the time. You have got no idea about Hodge, maybe you should watch some other teams play.

I don't know why you expect anyone to pay any attention to your opinions. You voted for Hodge in the Hodge v Ablett poll, you have no credibility.

[Hodgepodge]

Hodge doesn't rack up the stats like Bartel does, but i rate Hodge well above him. Especially at the moment when Jimmy is in brownlow hangover mode.

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Hodge doesn't rack up the stats like Bartel does, but i rate Hodge well above him. Especially at the moment when Jimmy is in brownlow hangover mode.

What do you mean Hodge doesn't rack up stats? Until probably this year, Hodge was a loose Half back player wasted in getting cheap possessions in a team that didn't have the variety in the midfield that Geelong does. Jimmy Brownlow, works his guts out getting hard ball in the middle and has to contest against Corey, Selwood and Ablett for possessions.

Jimmy is one of the best contested marks going around and led the way in this category for any midfielder (and perhaps most forwards).

Hodge is a gun, and a product of some old school Geelong Falcon education. However, too many times in the past he has been wasted by Clarkson and spared from getting down and dirty in the guts. Sure he can look polished and hard at it every 3rd game, but Jimmy is in their every week doing his role. For me, it is Jimmy Brownlow all the way...he is there for the real tough stuff (any doubts check out his mark against the Bulldogs 2004 running against the flight of the ball - ala Riewoldt)

[Hodgepodge]

What do you mean Hodge doesn't rack up stats? Until probably this year, Hodge was a loose Half back player wasted in getting cheap possessions in a team that didn't have the variety in the midfield that Geelong does. Jimmy Brownlow, works his guts out getting hard ball in the middle and has to contest against Corey, Selwood and Ablett for possessions.

Jimmy is one of the best contested marks going around and led the way in this category for any midfielder (and perhaps most forwards).

Hodge is a gun, and a product of some old school Geelong Falcon education. However, too many times in the past he has been wasted by Clarkson and spared from getting down and dirty in the guts. Sure he can look polished and hard at it every 3rd game, but Jimmy is in their every week doing his role. For me, it is Jimmy Brownlow all the way...he is there for the real tough stuff (any doubts check out his mark against the Bulldogs 2004 running against the flight of the ball - ala Riewoldt)

Cool whatever. Hodge was wasted at HB until the middle of 07 actually. He's played a utility role since then. Wish they'd done it sooner cos whenever he did end up in the midfield he was fantastic. I also don't know why they waste andrew macleod in the backline.

[matey]

I don't know why you expect anyone to pay any attention to your opinions. You voted for Hodge in the Hodge v Ablett poll, you have no credibility.

Cats players are so precious. Some supporters prefer players who do not wear hoopy hoops on there jumper, no need to get upset.

Hodge is my favourite player to watch in the league, would not trade the 'general' for any other player going around.

[Dippers_Mullet]

I don't know why you expect anyone to pay any attention to your opinions. You voted for Hodge in the Hodge v Ablett poll, you have no credibility.

I think Ablett is the best player in the League, doesn't mean I'd take him over Hodge though.

In fact I most certainly wouldn't. Hodge's on-field leadership is priceless. Clearly he feels the same.

Just because you don't agree with his opinion doesn't mean he's got no credibility. Hell, I bet you voted for Bartel in this thread, guess you have no credibility either.

[fishbowl]

Hodge's prowess, cunning and guile is better than Bartel. Hodge lends more to the fabric of Hawthorn. Hodge is smarter and cooler in a crisis. Don't get me wrong Bartel is good but he has good around him as well.

I would love to see them in the same side though.

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Hodge's prowess, cunning and guile is better than Bartel. Hodge lends more to the fabric of Hawthorn. Hodge is smarter and cooler in a crisis. Don't get me wrong Bartel is good but he has good around him as well.

I would love to see them in the same side though.

Yeah bring Hodge back to Geelong to play alongside his former falcon teamates in Bartel and Ablett...that i would pay good money for!

I think people are a bit quick to dismiss Bartel's influence though as he obviously doesn't stand out as well when you have Ablett and Corey doing similar things...but here is a little analysis on the Hodge vs. Bartel

Marking: Bartel, hands down...need evidence, refer to a couple of screamers against the dogs and last years GF when he brought down a big pack mark from S.J squaring up. Number 1 contested mark amongst midfielders

Hardness: Level - no one with any honesty about football could deny that these two are amongst the geniune hard nuts of the competition.

Possessions: Well Bartel has a clear edge here. Wins the majority of his own ball too.

Efficiency: Hodge, just - bare in mind though that Hodge probably had less pressure on his disposal (well when he played in a sweeping role). His left foot is prodigious though, so he does have an edge.

Clearances: Bartel. Geelongs extractor, and very good at it. Nuff said.

Goal Sense: Tough one....refer to Jimmy's snap on the left 45 out in GF. But Hodge has had some great influence in the forward line. Jimmy shouldn't be underated here though as Geelongs style of dishing off probably see's him taking a lot less pot shots than hodge, who although kicking a few small bags has also missed his fair share. I can see both players ending up as forwards later in career... i will call this one level.

Leadership: Hodge

Inspiration: Level...both are hard, cop huge blows and come back at it harder.

Well, i still think Bartel, but i know a lot will disagree...in the end, both geelong locals who have learnt a ballzy style of play and should both become very decorated players at the end of their careers.

[Claude Balls]

Cats players are so precious. Some supporters prefer players who do not wear hoopy hoops on there jumper, no need to get upset.

Hodge is my favourite player to watch in the league, would not trade the 'general' for any other player going around.

Would you trade him for a player who was the best in the league in a particular position, which happened to be a very important position that the Hawks were lacking in? I.e. Scarlett, Glass, or Cox...

I'm tipping you'll say no, given that most people 'round these parts generally say: 'I wouldn't give up X for Y, though I concede Y is better'.

But it's an interesting hypothetical nonetheless... I'd be interested to hear how you and other Hawk fans think in regards to the balance of your team and potential to win a flag. I reckon you'd be in a better position to win one with Scarlett at FB, or Cox in the ruck, than you would be with Hodge in the side, especially if he was played in the back half. IMO your midfield would still be good enough to be a premiership midfielder, and you would a phenomenla structure, with class talls at either end of the ground.

Try to steer clear of things like leadership and so on in your answer. Hodge is not the captain so we can reasonably deduce that you would not be lacking in this regard if he was not there.

[Hodgepodge]

i was stunned to realise that hodgeldinho doesn't have a lot of contested possession. He's certainly a very hard player and he's always on the bottom of packs and all that, he has about a 1/4 of his possessions contested only.

[wolvesjr34]

In short Claude... NO.

Mitchell may be the captain, but Hodge IS the leader. Simple as that.

[Claude Balls]

In short Claude... NO.

Mitchell may be the captain, but Hodge IS the leader. Simple as that.


Any other reasons? I can understand people getting attached to players and so on, but it strikes me you are being a bit sentimental. Let me rephrase the question...

Do you think the Hawks would be a better chance to win the flag under either of the following circumstances:

a) Hodge out, Scarlett in
b) Hodge out, Dean Cox in.... ?

Hodge was out for 3/4 weeks earlier in the year, and I don't recall the Hawks struggling drastically as a result... Imagine your spine with Scarlett, Croad, Mitchell, Buddy, Roughead... or your onball division with Cox feeding it to them!

[Hodgepodge]

Any other reasons? I can understand people getting attached to players and so on, but it strikes me you are being a bit sentimental. Let me rephrase the question...

Do you think the Hawks would be a better chance to win the flag under either of the following circumstances:

a) Hodge out, Scarlett in
b) Hodge out, Dean Cox in.... ?

Hodge was out for 3/4 weeks earlier in the year, and I don't recall the Hawks struggling drastically as a result... Imagine your spine with Scarlett, Croad, Mitchell, Buddy, Roughead... or your onball division with Cox feeding it to them!

hodge missed 3 games, one of which we lost.
hodge out, scarlett in, no way.
"" "", cox in, maybe.

[Claude Balls]

hodge missed 3 games, one of which we lost.
hodge out, scarlett in, no way.
"" "", cox in, maybe.

Fair enough. Strikes me you guys are underestimating the importance of structure. Most Premiership sides have a better defence than they do forward line... or at least there is a strong pattern to suggest strong defences win flags.

[philhawk]

With Hodge doing well on the weekend and Bartel having an injury-plagued year, obviously the BF bandwagon will suggest that he's the better player.

Taking into account Bartel's past (Brownlow, anyone?) and Hodge's enormous scope for improvement, both Geelong and Hawthorn have excellent players on their hands.

Personally, I wouldn't trade Hodge for anyone. I reckon he's been better this year, but Bartel has been better in the past.

[matey]

Fair enough. Strikes me you guys are underestimating the importance of structure. Most Premiership sides have a better defence than they do forward line... or at least there is a strong pattern to suggest strong defences win flags.

The importance of structure is the single and most important strategy in Hawks recruiting since Clarckson arrived at Hawthorn. Clarcko on many occassions has talked about premiership sides over the last 20 years and often refers to the structutre of the Lions during 2001-2003. These sides had quality big bodied forwards so he immediately demanded them in the 2004 draft so Roughy and Buddy were picked up. He demanded running players who were good accurate kicks and Guerra, Birchall, Young, Ellis, Gilham, Lewis, McGynn and co were picked up. Hawks lacked a quality crumming forward so Stokes and Riloi were drafted.

Many people think (including myself at stages a year or two ago) that Hawks may suffer or have a weakness in the backline. Don't think this now as how many forwards have kicked a bag against us in the last year or so, it includes two AA's and big Robby can be dropped back if needed against sides that have 2/3 big forwards and he has done well when Clarcko has done this.

To say that Hawks would be better off without Hodge as oppossed to having a Scarlett at FB is absolutely not on. Hawks structure is OK don't you worry about that. Watch the next Hawks game closely and you will always see Hodge directing other players, pointing etc and team mates take note and never give any lip or show any expression which is negative in anyway. Funny thing is he was doing this in his first year which immediately caught my eye and thought this guy is speacial.

[Lunchlady Doris]

Cats players are so precious. Some supporters prefer players who do not wear hoopy hoops on there jumper, no need to get upset.

Hodge is my favourite player to watch in the league, would not trade the 'general' for any other player going around.

I'm not upset at all. You go around with one eye open, and talk as if you are the keeper of football knowledge. It's quite funny.

[matey]

I'm not upset at all. You go around with one eye open, and talk as if you are the keeper of football knowledge. It's quite funny.

You are a f&%$^&g dipstick backdoorlady. Just because I prefer Hodge and think he will be by the end of his career a better player than Ablett and Bartel due to his style of play and character you just keep continuing with absolute drible. The only thing you get from your posts is wear and tear from the keyboard you use nothing more nothing less. JUST GET OVER IT LOSER!

[Hodgepodge]

Fair enough. Strikes me you guys are underestimating the importance of structure. Most Premiership sides have a better defence than they do forward line... or at least there is a strong pattern to suggest strong defences win flags.

Scarlett's not a great defender, cox is a gun ruckman.

[Heater39]

Would love Hodgey at the Pies-tough, leader, good skills, the complete package! Bartel is also one of the best midfielders goin round but i just rate Hodgeys skills a bit higher

[Lunchlady Doris]

Anyone reconsidering their opinions regarding Jimmy?

Did you see his goal from 60m to put the Cats back in front last Friday night? Not damaging, pffft.

[Hodgepodge]

Anyone reconsidering their opinions regarding Jimmy?

Did you see his goal from 60m to put the Cats back in front last Friday night? Not damaging, pffft.

Only averages 0.6 a game. Hodge averages 0.7 despite having played in defence until rd 9 last year. Currently averaging 1.5 for the season and equal leader for the most goals for a midfielder.

[Lunchlady Doris]

Only averages 0.6 a game. Hodge averages 0.7 despite having played in defence until rd 9 last year. Currently averaging 1.5 for the season and equal leader for the most goals for a midfielder.

Mate I don't really career how many goals a gun contested posession centreman averages. But those saying he doesn't hurt the opposition with his posessions are kidding themselves. Has a long penetrating kick, and when needed has snapped classy goals on both feet.

[Hodgepodge]

i don't think he hurts the opposition as much as a luke hodge.

[Lunchlady Doris]

i don't think he hurts the opposition as much as a luke hodge.

How do you rate a hardball get and centre clearance versus a pass into the forward 50 in terms of damaging the opponent?

[Hodgepodge]

How do you rate a hardball get and centre clearance versus a pass into the forward 50 in terms of damaging the opponent?

Who knows, i'm not champion data, i can't assign points to these things, i just feel hodge does more.

[Mitchell Madness]

I saw one thing from Bartell last friday, when the Cats wer ein controll he was in the middle, the moment there was a bit of pressure, he pushed wide and left his team mates to do everything.

exact opposite to hodge. When the hawks are in controll in any match, he will head wide or into defence, and when it is in the balance, he is always in the thick of the action

i will take hodge

[Hodgepodge]

And now cue the 'hodge can't kick under pressure' posts.

[Mitchell Madness]

And now cue the 'hodge can't kick under pressure' posts.

Hodge can't kick under pressure:p

[Claude Balls]

Scarlett's not a great defender, cox is a gun ruckman.

Do you honestly think that your defence would not be improved 100% by virtue of having Mathew Scarlett on the last line?

Geelong made a prelim and a semi on the back of an exceptional Scarlett-led defence in '04 and '05. These were two years when our prime goal kickers were Kent Kinglsey and Ben Graham.

Your opinions on footballing matters Hodgepodge seem to grow more inaccurate and ill considered by the week.

[Kaiser Powser]

I saw one thing from Bartell last friday, when the Cats wer ein controll he was in the middle, the moment there was a bit of pressure, he pushed wide and left his team mates to do everything.

exact opposite to hodge. When the hawks are in controll in any match, he will head wide or into defence, and when it is in the balance, he is always in the thick of the action

i will take hodge

That's funny, when the game was on the line, all I saw Hodge do was slow up the play the attempt a stupid 70 metre torp goal that allowed Geelong to easily rebound. Then a minute later, again hold up the ball, wrecking Hawthorn's momentum and then sprayed the kick to Geelong. Game over.

Maybe he had the baby on his mind, but they were some of the worst decision making I had seen in a big game in a long time.

[Hodgepodge]

Do you honestly think that your defence would not be improved 100% by virtue of having Mathew Scarlett on the last line?

Geelong made a prelim and a semi on the back of an exceptional Scarlett-led defence in '04 and '05. These were two years when our prime goal kickers were Kent Kinglsey and Ben Graham.

Your opinions on footballing matters Hodgepodge seem to grow more inaccurate and ill considered by the week.

Ok. First, i would take Scarlett, no problems, but not for Hodge.

Second. I would take Scarlett, but not for Cox.

Third. Scarlett's a pretty good defender, i wouldn't have him anywhere near FB of the century, but yes, a very handy player.

These are my views, deal with it.

[Lunchlady Doris]

I saw one thing from Bartell last friday, when the Cats wer ein controll he was in the middle, the moment there was a bit of pressure, he pushed wide and left his team mates to do everything.

exact opposite to hodge. When the hawks are in controll in any match, he will head wide or into defence, and when it is in the balance, he is always in the thick of the action

i will take hodge

Yeah, sure you saw that...it takes a lot to stand out as a really bad poster on this site, but you've managed it over the past week or so.

[Hodgepodge]

Proves that being a brownlow medallist doesn't make you a better player . . . Hodge > bartel

[Lunchlady Doris]

Proves that being a brownlow medallist doesn't make you a better player . . . Hodge > bartel

What does? A poll made after Hodge had a couple of good games, and people were under the impression that Bartel was out of form?

Start a new poll now and we'll see how it goes eh? The vast majority of BF posters are mouthbreathing simpletons, which you help illustrate.

[Skeppersap]

I saw one thing from Bartell last friday, when the Cats wer ein controll he was in the middle, the moment there was a bit of pressure, he pushed wide and left his team mates to do everything.

exact opposite to hodge. When the hawks are in controll in any match, he will head wide or into defence, and when it is in the balance, he is always in the thick of the action

i will take hodge

Have you been smoking crack, seriously?

The funny thing is, even your fellow Hathorn supporters on your board are embarrassed by you.

Did Bartel go missing when he kicked that goal from 60m to put us back in front?

I have NEVER seen Bartel play a game as bad as Hodge did on Friday night. He has NEVER made so many crucial errors, in a clutch game none-the-less.

Bartel is much better than Hodge. The only way Hodge has it over Bartel is that Hodge is more attacking this year.

It warms my heart to see the reaction of people like you when we beat you.