Player Watch F/S Cooper Hodge

[MistyAvalon]

Why would we want to watch a Brissy academy player ?

Hodgey's son.... are u joking

 

[extractasam]

Where does he actually sit in his draft year at the moment anyway? Is he definitely getting drafted?

 

[MistyAvalon]

It is a hard one I guess I feel he will end up at hawthorn.. but as others have said it may not be his first contract....

watching the agenda setters clearly the Hawks have spread their wings to draw him in. Hodgey is saying middle of the road stuff but you an tell he wants his son to want to play for us

 

[HedgeFund]

Where does he actually sit in his draft year at the moment anyway? Is he definitely getting drafted?

No

 

[killerspud]

Personally I like the look of Mark Williams kid. Looks like a pick 20 type we could get in the 50s with father son

 

[GinniAndTonic]

Personally I like the look of Mark Williams kid. Looks like a pick 20 type we could get in the 50s with father son

He’ll probably go to the doggies under the nga rule!

 

[JZedd]

Personally I like the look of Mark Williams kid. Looks like a pick 20 type we could get in the 50s with father son

Almost certain to go to Essendon for sentimental reasons.

 

[number23]

Almost certain to go to Essendon for sentimental reasons.

What's not to like about the deal? Mark Williams only got to play 4 games for our most hated rival and we got Jay Nash who was on traded with our Pick 9 to get some bloke with knee problems from Port Adelaide.

 

[Hawk the Talk]

Have we given him a tour of Dingers?

Yeah they took him through for a tour on Monday. I think he’ll be a Hawk

 

[matey]

He’ll probably go to the doggies under the nga rule!

I was lucky enough to talk to Willow for 40min or so over summer at a training session down at Waverley watching Kobe ….. Mark is such a lovely genuine person. The insight and detail re 08 was amazing and something I will never forget

He still absolutely loves the club. If I was a betting man and if given the option/opportunity I reckon Kobe would be a good chance in choosing us!

 

[HawthornHawk]

The Lions academy has a great track record of developing talent. Really hoping the Hodge family are playing the game at the moment as you wouldn't want to jeopardise the attention Cooper gets there. Fingers crossed!

 

[GinniAndTonic]

If you want to know how much of a joke the northern academy's are just go look at the below article. 12 under 17's for Brisbane and 12 another 12 for Gold Coast. Granted not all these kids will make it but we have what 3 academy kids in the next 2 years? Such an unfair system.

QUEENSLAND STATE UNDER 17 TEAM 2025 - Play AFL

Announcing the team to represent Queensland

play.afl

 

[Mercy Seat]

If you want to know how much of a joke the northern academy's are just go look at the below article. 12 under 17's for Brisbane and 12 another 12 for Gold Coast. Granted not all these kids will make it but we have what 3 academy kids in the next 2 years? Such an unfair system.

QUEENSLAND STATE UNDER 17 TEAM 2025 - Play AFL

Announcing the team to represent Queensland

play.afl

Basically they get first dibs at the best talent coming out of the state. It's an absolute gold mine.

 

[Fleabane]

Hodge has mentioned that his wife will never let them move from Brisbane now that they're up there.

Honestly, I wouldn't begrudge Cooper for choosing Brisbane. With Ashcrofts and other academy picks, they are going to be playing at the pointy end for some time. All his mates are there or at least living in Brisbane, and I know how I felt at his age. I had very motivation to "follow in dad's footsteps" or anything sentimental like that. It would all come down to what I wanted to do, what my friends are doing and forging my own path.

Fingers crossed he's a pick 20-30 prospect and that other academy players are more of a priority for Brisbane.

I've also got a vague memory of Hodge saying something about Cooper's mum being prepared to move the family if his son went interstate? Might not be as strong as loves it up in Brisbane and doesn't want to move though!

Also, everyone is talking as if Cooper has no personal connection to Melbourne or Victoria. He no doubt feels more connected to Brisbane now but he spent his first ten years in Victoria. I know that my first ten years were pretty important to me, they are not nothing.

Anyway, I'm trying hard not to get drawn into feeling too much about this. Failing but trying!

 

[Yardie]

I've also got a vague memory of Hodge saying something about Cooper's mum being prepared to move the family if his son went interstate? Might not be as strong as loves it up in Brisbane and doesn't want to move though!

Also, everyone is talking as if Cooper has no personal connection to Melbourne or Victoria. He no doubt feels more connected to Brisbane now but he spent his first ten years in Victoria. I know that my first ten years were pretty important to me, they are not nothing.

Anyway, I'm trying hard not to get drawn into feeling too much about this. Failing but trying!

I know it'll never happen but the college system in the states ensures that players are developed both mentally and physically and ready for immediate deployment.

 

[play2win]

The move to Melbourne means less travel for cooper and his dad, makes sense from a family perspective.

 

[MrPremiership]

The kid probably hasn't made up his mind, but leaning a certain way.
I think he'll stay silent for some time, absolutely no reason to say anything anyway.

But in a world where he chooses Hawthorn, or has his heart set on it, he couldn't publically say it until the draft anyway. He's in the Lions academy, can't exactly nominate or express for Hawks right now, and then walk into training the next day.

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

Basically they get first dibs at the best talent coming out of the state. It's an absolute gold mine.

Its not just that. I know a family friend whose son is up in Cobram, on the Murray but Victoria.

VIctorian parents, born and raised in Victoria, played footy his whole life.

GWS have first dibs at him.

Its a shambles and the biggest stain on our league. There will be 3 or 4 of the northern states in the top 6 for the next 15 years, get used to it, its by design.

 

[rei154]

The kid probably hasn't made up his mind, but leaning a certain way.
I think he'll stay silent for some time, absolutely no reason to say anything anyway.

But in a world where he chooses Hawthorn, or has his heart set on it, he couldn't publically say it until the draft anyway. He's in the Lions academy, can't exactly nominate or express for Hawks right now, and then walk into training the next day.

I don't think he'll say anything until he's being interviewed by the club that gets him about how influential and meaningful the other is.

 

[Billyc]

Have we given him a tour of Dingers?

Yes and he was very impressed for what that’s worth. Far superior facilities to Brisbane’s

 

[Billyc]

The kid probably hasn't made up his mind, but leaning a certain way.
I think he'll stay silent for some time, absolutely no reason to say anything anyway.

But in a world where he chooses Hawthorn, or has his heart set on it, he couldn't publically say it until the draft anyway. He's in the Lions academy, can't exactly nominate or express for Hawks right now, and then walk into training the next day.

Reality is he is not Nick Daicos or an Ashcroft. He’s not guaranteed to be drafted by either club or any other club and it’s far from guaranteed he will have a choice in two. Even more so than usual given Lions have many more highly credentialed academy kids to prioritise next year. Much the same as Shaun Burgoynes son who had contact with both clubs and was drafted by neither because neither felt he was good enough

 

[kazzooka]

Reality is he is not Nick Daicos or an Ashcroft. He’s not guaranteed to be drafted by either club or any other club and it’s far from guaranteed he will have a choice in two. Even more so than usual given Lions have many more highly credentialed academy kids to prioritise next year. Much the same as Shaun Burgoynes son who had contact with both clubs and was drafted by neither because neither felt he was good enough

And if he is good enough, his decision rests not just on staying at home, vs playing where his dad did.

He needs to think about his Career, which side is he most likely to actually get a game at? which side will make him the best player etc...

 

[caseman22]

HODGE RETURNS TO HAWKS

It was a sight for sore eyes on the Hawthorn training track this week.

After booting three goals from 17 disposals and eight marks for Box Hill, Mitch Lewis continued to build fitness as he seeks an AFL opportunity after a knee injury last year. Star midfielder Will Day is also ramped up his training as he targets a round 20 return from a foot injury.

But it was a young 16-year-old who really caught the eye.

Cooper Hodge, the son of Hawthorn legend Luke, hit the training track with Hawthorn’s senior side as he weighs up his football future ahead of his draft year next year.

Hodge, eligible for the 2026 draft, has impressed draft watchers this year with his toughness and intensity around the coalface, traits the AFL world saw time and time again in his champion father.

While Hodge is eligible to nominate Hawthorn as a father-son prospect, he’s also tied to Brisbane as a member of their Next Generation Academy.

Featuring for the Academy in this year’s Coates Talent League campaign, Hodge averaged 16.3 disposals, 8.5 tackles and 3.8 inside 50s across four matches.

On Tuesday morning, Hodge was seen working hard on his goalkicking alongside the likes of Dylan Moore

8

Dylan Moore

Age

26

Ht

177cm

Wt

77kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.9

3star

K

5.1

2star

HB

6.7

4star

M

4.4

4star

T

2.9

4star

G

0.3

3star

No current season stats available

D

12.2

3star

K

6.0

3star

HB

6.2

4star

M

5.4

5star

T

2.8

5star

G

0.4

3star

and Nick Watson, while he also partook in transition and ball movement drills with the main group.

Hawthorn NGA prospect Goy Jiath, the younger brother of Hawk Changkuoth and Collingwood’s Tew, also trained. Kobe Williams, the son of Mark Williams, was another invitee, but did not train due to an ankle issue.

So what will Hodge choose when he has to make a decision next year?

Speaking on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters this week, Luke Hodge said his son was still “50-50” between the two powerhouse clubs.

“It was a good day, one again going down there to really convince a young guy to come. They turned on the weather. It was about four degrees down there. I couldn’t feel my hands,” Hodge said.

“It was another good experience. He went out there and enjoyed the club.”

Hodge’s former teammate, Jarryd Roughead

Jarryd Roughead

Age

38

Ht

193cm

Wt

98kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.6

4star

K

8.8

3star

HB

5.8

4star

M

4.7

4star

T

2.3

4star

G

2.0

5star

No current season stats available

D

7.2

2star

K

3.8

2star

HB

3.4

3star

M

2.6

3star

T

0.8

3star

G

1.0

4star

, housed Cooper during his time in Melbourne while on school holidays.

“I 100 per understand (the level of interest in this), but the only thing is he’s a 16-year-old kid who has the flexibility or he’s been lucky enough to spend two days at Hawthorn,” Hodge continued.

“But then on the flip side, with the Brisbane Lions Academy, he’s been lucky enough over the last two years to be able to enjoy and spend time with some of the players and get coached by Grant Birchall

14

Grant Birchall

Age

37

Ht

193cm

Wt

89kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

21.9

5star

K

12.6

5star

HB

9.3

5star

M

5.8

5star

T

1.6

4star

MG

250.0

4star

D

13.3

3star

K

9.2

4star

HB

4.2

3star

M

4.3

4star

T

1.3

2star

MG

250.0

4star

D

14.0

4star

K

7.6

3star

HB

6.4

4star

M

2.6

3star

T

0.6

3star

and Mitch Hahn

Mitch Hahn

Age

44

Ht

188cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.2

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

3.6

4star

T

2.6

4star

G

0.9

4star

No current season stats available

D

6.0

2star

K

3.4

2star

HB

2.6

3star

M

1.8

2star

T

0.2

3star

G

0.0

1star

and these kinds of guys.

“So he’s been very fortunate and he’s really loving football at the moment.”

When Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell was asked about Hodge’s decision, Mitchell said he didn’t want to put any pressure on the youngster.

“Unfortunately he’s getting a game in the seniors… so he had to go back up to Brisbane to make sure he could hold his spot,” Mitchell told reporters on Thursday.

“The thing with a guy like Coop is he’s still a young man, and because of his dad’s fame and accolades, there’s a lot more pressure on him. The last thing I want to do is add anything to that.

“He’s great, he’s a really energetic sort of kid. He’s quiet, he’s a young lad, very respectful. He’s going to be a nice talent.”

Watch this space.

 

[tommyk72]

But it was a young 16-year-old who really caught the eye.

Cooper Hodge, the son of Hawthorn legend Luke, hit the training track with Hawthorn’s senior side as he weighs up his football future ahead of his draft year next year.

Hodge, eligible for the 2026 draft, has impressed draft watchers this year with his toughness and intensity around the coalface, traits the AFL world saw time and time again in his champion father.

While Hodge is eligible to nominate Hawthorn as a father-son prospect, he’s also tied to Brisbane as a member of their Next Generation Academy.

Featuring for the Academy in this year’s Coates Talent League campaign, Hodge averaged 16.3 disposals, 8.5 tackles and 3.8 inside 50s across four matches.

I'd use this year and next year's first on him if he can stick a tackle.

 

[rdhopkins2]

By the time Cooper is playing regular seniors, the Hawks will be in the premiership window with Brisbane dropping out of it. Coupled by the fact Dad is a premiership winning Hawthorn legend, Coops will become a Hawk.