The stats

AFL games: 15

Disposals per game: 22.9

Marks: 5.7

Kicks: 15.1

Tackles: 3.2

Goals: 4

Review

Hawthorn’s inspirational captain showed no signs of slowing down any time soon if his end to the 2016 season is anything to go by.

Hodge saved some of his best footy for Hawthorn’s two finals appearances, collecting 29 touches and six clearances against Geelong along with 20 touches, six tackles and two goals the following week against the Western Bulldogs.

The first half of the season would have no doubt been a frustrating one for the four-time premiership player, who suffered a broken arm in Round 1 against Geelong and then a knee injury against GWS in Round 6, meaning he played just four of the Hawks’ first 13 games.

This led commentators to say that Hodge was nearing the end, but in true Hodge style he returned to the side with a bang.

He racked up 28 possessions against the Gold Coast Suns in his return game in Tasmania, before a best on ground performance against Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval which included 29 disposals, 10 marks, seven clearances, five inside 50s and four rebound 50s.

Having signed on to go around again in 2017, Hawthorn fans will be hoping Hodge can remain injury free and continue to signify everything the club strives for – tough, uncompromising and relentless.

A word from: Damian Carroll

“Hodgey had a bit of an interrupted first half of the year but by the end of the year he was able to get his body in a good position to play some more midfield time and work through games.

“He averaged 23 possessions over his 15 games and still showed what an important leader he is of the footy club with his organisation around the ball, at stoppages and in transition.

“We feel if he can have another good pre-season like he did last year and avoid getting injured early in the season then he should set himself up for a successful 2017 season.”