Retired Luke Hodge (2017-2019)

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I still find myself amazed that Hodgey is a Lions player.

 

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‘Turned back the clock’: Just when Brisbane veteran Luke Hodge looked past it

IT was only a month ago that people were still questioning Luke Hodge’s decision to come out of retirement.

The former Hawthorn champion was struggling to have an impact and Brisbane were struggling to stay in games. But that isn’t happening anymore. While the Lions lost their 12th game of the season on Saturday night, this time at the hands of Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba, they were up for the fight, led by the veteran warrior.

The four-time premiership defender produced not only his best performance since moving to Queensland last October, it was one of his best performances in years. He was tough, as always, took a big hanger, used his left foot with precision and led the way down back,

The 34-year-old amassed 30 disposals — hitting the target with all but two of them — 511 metres gained, 11 marks, eight spoils, six rebound 50s and his first goal for the Lions.

“Gee, Hodgey turned back the clock,” Brisbane coach Chris Fagan told reporters in his post-game press conference. “He took that fantastic mark, kicked a goal, had 30 touches, used the ball really well.”

While the three-time All-Australian has played many more important games, on far grander stages, Hodge’s performance was made more important following an incident that left the Lions defence a man down early.

Greater Western Sydney star forward Jeremy Cameron collected Lions young gun Harris Andrews in the head with his elbow, in a hit that has generated plenty of discussion in the aftermath and should see the Giant spend plenty of time on the sidelines.

“It was (really hard to see him off). He is the leader of our backline,” Hodge said post-game. “I think everyone has seen how good he can be so far this year, whether it’s his mark or his spoiling, we tend to start a lot of his offence from half-back from either his mark or his big spoils. We missed that.”

 

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Five talking points: Hawthorn v Brisbane

2. No Hodge but Lions up for the fight

Much as they love supporting the Tassie Hawks at their home away from home in Launceston, the added bonus of seeing Luke Hodge return to University of Tasmania Stadium will have been enough to bring plenty of local fans along for the day. Imagine the disappointment when it was announced to the crowd of 12,557 that the former Hawthorn hard-man had failed to overcome a midweek calf injury and was a late withdrawal. But far from folding without Hodge's calming influence down back, the Lions defended with equal parts courage and tenacity to hold a Hawthorn attacking unit that has clicked in recent weeks to just nine goals for the afternoon and to a solitary behind in the final quarter.

 

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Club Champion analysis

And the best individual performances of the season?

21 votes – Luke Hodge – Round 14 v GWS (Gabba). In his 317th game and his first as a 34-year-old the champion put aside the early devastating injury to Harris Andrews to turn back the club with 30 possessions and his first goal for the Lions. And a ‘hanger’ which was a contender for mark of the week.

 

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Inspired move getting Hodgey

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-09-05/lion-cubs-dig-sparked-hodges-best-form-fagan

 

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When first learning that Hodge was joining the Lions, I was sceptical about what Hodge could contribute on-field (whatever he would bring off-field went without saying), but he far exceeded my expectations on-field and even off-field (given by the numerous things you read by everyone at the club) and the overall package was sheer genius and an inspired move by Coach Fagan.

Clubs will try to replicate a Hodge type appointment, but I’d be surprised if another ever comes close to what we’re getting overall from Hodge.

 

[dlanod]

When first learning that Hodge was joining the Lions, I was sceptical about what Hodge could contribute on-field (whatever he would bring off-field went without saying), but he far exceeded my expectations on-field and even off-field (given by the numerous things you read by everyone at the club) and the overall package was sheer genius and an inspired move by Coach Fagan.

Clubs will try to replicate a Hodge type appointment, but I’d be surprised if another ever comes close to what we’re getting overall from Hodge.

I remember Power coming to GWS and generating something similar... but that also highlights how rare it is - they also recruited Brogan, Cornes, MacDonald and others, and only Power really set the standard on and off the field.

 

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I remember Power coming to GWS and generating something similar... but that also highlights how rare it is - they also recruited Brogan, Cornes, MacDonald and others, and only Power really set the standard on and off the field.

Of course, how could I've forgotten Lukey Power, who no doubt would've been every bit as beneficial as Hodge has been for us.

 

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Player Review: Luke Hodge

#2 - Luke Hodge
Luke Hodge’s first season as a Brisbane Lion did not disappoint.

The four-time premiership player cancelled his 2017 retirement plans with Hawthorn to join Chris Fagan, his former General Manager of Football, in Brisbane for two years. Hodge’s role was to provide on field leadership and direction for the young Lion cubs.

Before the start of the 2018 season, Fagan indicated he would be happy if the 34-year-old Hodge could play 15 or so games. 'The General' would go on to play 19 games overall, with his only injury a minor calf complaint.

Throughout the year, Hodge’s presence and experience had a remarkable impact on his teammates, specifically those in the backline. Harris Andrews, Darcy Gardiner and Alex Witherden all enjoyed career-best seasons, with opposition teams finding it difficult to score inside the Lions’ 50.

Standout games for Hodge included the Lions' first victory of the season against his former Club in Round 9. In Round 12 against Essendon he was at his brutal tough best, laying four unforgettable tackles on Bombers players. In Round 16’s win against Carlton he had 25 disposals and turned back the clock with his slinky ball skills.

But where Hodge was truly exceptional was when the going was tough for Lions players. In those games, he stood up. In Round 4’s blowout loss to Richmond he had 24 disposals and had 26 when the Lions were reduced to one player on the bench in Round 11’s loss to North Melbourne. In Round 14’s loss to GWS when Andrews suffered a concussion early in the game, Hodge had a season-high of 30 disposals and four tackles.

Hodge’s impact extended further than just on field. In his time at the Hawks, he won four flags, with three of those as captain. In 2018 at the Lions he shared his knowledge and experience by sitting in on the leadership group’s meetings and provided input when needed. Hodge will go on to play another season for the Lions in 2019.

Coaches Comment - Murray Davis, Backline Coach

"His leadership on and off the field is where he had his biggest impact. Not only did he help players around him grow he also contributed significantly averaging just under 20 disposals in his 19 games and operating at 80% disposal efficiency."

Senior matches: 19

 

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Is age is just a number for these veterans?

He'll turn 35 midway through the season but Luke Hodge is still going strong. The four-time premiership star has completed everything during the pre-season and just like 2018, where he played 19 games, is expected to be a backline mainstay, although competition for spots should be tougher.

 

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Dayne Zorko to captain Lions in 2019 (Josie Fielding)

Zorko will front an eight-man leadership group with Harris Andrews as Vice-Captain. Ryan Lester, Stefan Martin and Allen Christensen will return to the group, with new additions Darcy Gardiner, Jarrod Berry and Lachie Neale. The group will continue to be mentored by Luke Hodge.

 

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Sure he looked a little slow, but it was evident on TV (let alone at the ground) that he was the general down back, not to mention a wily old fox too: