Introduction 305-game legend Luke Hodge shocked the AFL world by coming out of retirement to sign a two-year contract with the Brisbane Lions in the 2017 AFL Trade Period. The move was sealed in the final hour of the trade period when the Lions sent picks 43 and 75 to Hawthorn in exchange for pick 44. Hodge won four premierships and two Norm Smith Medals in his 16 seasons at Hawthorn and will add invaluable experience and leadership to the young Lions squad. Background Hodge was recruited from the Geelong Falcons Under-18 Football Club, and in 2001 nominated for the 2001 AFL Draft. He was the number-one draft choice of Hawthorn Football Club. At a Glance Junior Club: Geelong Falcons Clubs: Hawthorn / Brisbane Lions Debut: Rd 5 2002 Recruited from: Hawthorn Brownlow Votes: 131Sponsor Season by Season 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 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.
