As the siren blew to end a memorable semi-final that saw the fairytale season of the Brisbane Lions end in heartbreak, all eyes moved to the 35-year-old veteran Luke Hodge to see whether he would be chaired off and draw the curtain on a wonderful career.
He was not chaired off, which suggested he was a chance to go around again. However the announcement soon came that Luke Hodge had retired from the AFL.
A career resume that is rivalled by few holds Hodge in very high regard when talking about all-time players in VFL/AFL history. Hodge tallied 346 games, 194 goals, four premiership flags including three as skipper, two Norm Smith Medals, two best-and-fairests, three All-Australians, one as captain.
It’s quite the rap sheet for the Geelong Falcons product.
The 2001 National Draft goes down as the greatest that the AFL has ever produced and Hodge was the name called out at pick number one. I wonder if Fremantle regret trading that pick before draft night for Luke McPharlin and Trent Croad, who later returned to Hawthorn after just two seasons at Fremantle.
It didn’t take long for Hodge to make a mark at Hawthorn, playing in 15 games and earning a Rising Star nomination. In his first season, he quickly cemented his spot in the Hawthorn side but was often compared to the bloke they overlooked in the 2001 draft, Chris Judd, who had already become a Brownlow Medalist by 2004.
At the time there were plenty of questions asked as to why the Hawks didn’t take Judd. Fast forward to 2017 when his time at the Hawks was up and I don’t think many question Hodge’s selection back in 2001 anymore.
Hodge played 305 games for the Hawks. He will go down as one of the club’s greats and will forever be remembered as a big-game player. Two Norm Smith medals for his best-on-ground performances in the 2008 and 2014 grand final wins prove that he is a big-game player. Most footy fans will have some memory of Luke Hodge doing something in a big final, whether it is a big-time goal or a bone-crunching tackle. He always found a way to impose himself when it really mattered.
(Photo by Justine Walker/AFL Media)
Not many people ever expected to see him in anything other than the brown-and-gold number 15 guernsey, but that’s exactly what happened in 2018 when he found his way to Brisbane for a mentoring role with the young Lions.
His time at Brisbane only added to the prestige of Luke Hodge. The side went from five wins in 2018 to 16 wins and an unlikely top-two finish this year. His leadership is often spoken about and without him there is no doubt Brisbane wouldn’t have developed as quickly as they have.
His on-field leadership was on full display in the semi-final loss to GWS on Saturday night, often seen pointing and directing his young team-mates.
Whether you loved or hated Hodge, he demanded your respect. He was rarely beaten and made his opponent earn every kick they got. His grunt and trademark raking left boot off half back will be missed in the AFL for years to come.
The mark he left at Hawthorn was astronomical, being an integral part to some glory years at the club, and what he has done at Brisbane has taught a very young group how to win games of football.
Luke Hodge will forever be remembered as a Hawthorn legend and a great of the modern game, and his legacy will be spoken about for years to come.
New York Hawk
Roar Rookie
He was pretty bloody gifted though. That left foot was about as good as it gets and his vision wasn’t matched by many.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Wow - that's a pretty impressive 7.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Hodge has been a great of the game, because he has repeatedly stood-up and performed superbly in big games, big finals and big moments. He made others walk taller and he was uncompromising. His onfield vocal instructional leadership seems unparalelled. On the flipside, he whacked a few blokes and his worst, most shameful, disgraceful moment was dangerously bumping Wingard's head into the goal post - it's not exaggerating to say they're both lucky Wingard didn't end up a paraplegic from that action. I was disappointed and thought it revealing Hodge wasnt horrified with his own actions and didnt at least apologise or show remorse. But on balance, he has been a fantastic, highly admired player, performer and leader. Well done Hodge.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Him and Ruffy mad the Poos'n'Wees seem a little more palatable. I hated the fact that Norwood players went there.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Far and away Hodgey's worst moment on the footy field I agree but his bad boy rep is largely undeserved
Charlie
Roar Rookie
Luke Hodge always played on the edge of propriety, however, one thing that his career is defined by is his natural leadership ability and charisma. He may not have been as explosive as Chris Judd, or as gifted as Gary Ablett but his sheer tenacity and willpower gave him something that was immeasurably valuable to the hawks and lions.
Charlie
Roar Rookie
oooft thats an interesting debate about whether the Eagles would have more premierships with Judd or Kennedy, I think Judd would have flamed out quicker at West Coast given all the drama of that period.
nineteen
Guest
Sam Mitchell put it best when he said if he could choose any player it would be Gary Ablett and if he could choose any leader it would be Luke Hodge. Interesting to see Fagan's press conference after the Giants game where he said that Hodge and Mitchell were the two best readers of the play that he'd ever come across.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
To think John Hook was sacked by Hawthorn because early on it looked like he'd st-uffed up by picking Hodge over Ball and Judd. 20/20 hindsight suggests Hookey should have a statue outside Dingley when it gets built.
Larry1950
Guest
Just interested from those who watch the Lions NEAFL games which players are likely to be in the frame for Hodge's spot next season. I notice that tv contest guy Eagles won the MoM as a defender but he'd be long odds to come in so does anyone have a view or will they trade some of these guys who are looking to get a run in the AFL. If so, which players would be likely targets, they just seem to need one or two more dominant players around the ground. Hope we see Rayner take a step up next season, bit concerned with his set shot kicking but he is a kid.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I'd forgotten that bump on Wingard. That was an ugly incident
Brian
Guest
It was an AFL game Adelaide v Hawthorn which the Hawks won by a few points.
Penster
Roar Guru
That may have been in Launceston against the Cats where he a free was paid to Ablett and Hodge said “That’s right, fkn Gaz, gotta look after fkn Gaz”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyWsQTPmrc
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I can't remember the game, but a few years ago they put a mic on Hodge as he played. It must have been some sort of exhibition match, but it was a great insight into his leadership and how incredibly focused he was. He didn't shut up the entire time, barking orders, directing players here and there. There are those who consider him a dirty player, but I don't think his occasional steps over the mark should define his career. Anyway, his hits were always delivered with a smile! And he was happy to cop it in return. A great player, and no doubt he will be in strong demand on the ex-players speaking circuit.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Old Dodgy Hodgy. Didn't mind giving a bloke a whack off the ball or putting them through the behind post. Maybe Toby Greene should try that so he becomes more likeable? I hate him but yes an out and out champ.
paulywalnuts
Guest
Ball was a terrific player and person- a lot of people thought he’d go one. He was great early, but I seem to remember groin issues setting after a few years. These were the days where OP and the like were in epidemic proportions, thankfully now they’ve got a handle on them. Anyway he seemed to lose a lot of his power and penetration quite early in his career, and was never quite the player he promised. Still good though. Unfortunately drafts don’t come with crystal balls.
Bell31
Guest
I was watching open mike a while ago and I've forgotten the name of the ex-player who was coaching the falcons when Hodge was there but I remember him saying that Hodge was one of the most natural young leaders he had seen come through the ranks.
Gee
Roar Rookie
St.Kilda could of had Judd in 2001 but went with Luke Ball, we have one premiership for a reason.
Brian
Guest
Great of the game and all credit to him for reinventing himself. He was the No 1 pick due to a booming kick but it deserted him as the years took their toll. Yet he reinvented himself with his footy brain and on-field leadership. Peter Schwab isn't remembered as a great coach but all credit to him in 2001. Hawks had just lost a Preliminary yet stuck his neck out for a once in a generation draft losing Croad and McPharlin to do it. As for the 2001 draft I'll go 1. C Judd 2. G Ablett 3. L Hodge 4. S Mitchell 5. J Bartel 6. N Del Santo 7. S Johnson what a draft.
Penster
Roar Guru
A man amongst men, inspiration and leader. I watch him play his last game with the Hawks and his last game on Saturday night at the Gabba, he directed traffic and generalled both teams until the very end. Him and Fagan, formidable combo at Brisbane. (Who hates Hodgey? Champion of the game)