Hawthorn great Luke Hodge has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, adding to his long list of extraordinary achievements throughout his 346-game career.
Having hung up the boots just six seasons ago, Hodge has been inducted at the earliest possible time eligible, highlighting his significant influence on the game during his 17 years at the elite level.
Hodge’s illustrious CV is as decorated as they come, headlined by four premierships for the brown and gold, three of which he lifted the cup as captain.
Hailing from country Victoria, the kid from Colac realised his AFL dream in the famous 2001 National Draft when he was taken at Pick 1 by Hawthorn.
Four years later, in a stunning breakout 2005 campaign, Hodge would claim his first Peter Crimmins Medal, along with maiden All Australian honours.
He would add a further two All Australian blazers in 2008 and 2010 - with the 2010 honour being amplified by his selection as All Australian Captain, in addition to his second Peter Crimmins Medal.
Hodge was appointed Hawthorn Captain the very next season in 2011, beginning his tenure as one of the game’s most respected leaders, where he would guide the Hawks to three consecutive premierships as skipper in a golden era for the club.
Across his four total premierships, Hodge was crowned the Norm Smith Medallist twice (2008 & 2014), highlighting his ability to lead from the front when it mattered most.
Following 305 games for Hawthorn, Hodge joined the Brisbane Lions in the twilight of his career, where he added a further 41 games across two seasons before hanging up the boots for good.
Having received Hawthorn Life Membership during his playing days, Hodge was fittingly inducted into the Hawthorn Hall of Fame just last year.
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Hawthorn President Andy Gowers reflected on Hodge’s illustrious career.
“Luke’s legacy on our great game of Australian Rules Football cannot be understated, he is one of the most respected figures in history,” Gowers said.
“Luke was the sort of leader that always made his teammates walk taller, helping guide Hawthorn through an amazing era of success during his extraordinary career.
“Widely celebrated among the brown and gold faithful as ‘The General’, Luke was arguably the most selfless and courageous player of his generation, driven by an insatiable hunger to win at all costs.
“While he earned the admiration of many for his toughness, it was matched in equal parts by his sublime skill and talents, whether it was rebounding from defence, scrapping for a vital clearance in the midfield, or slotting a steadying goal in attack.
“On behalf of the entire Hawthorn family, I’d like to congratulate Luke, his wife Lauren and their children, Cooper, Chase, Leo and Tanner on his induction to the Australian Football Hall of Fame.”
Luke Hodge’s Hall of Fame record:
- 346 games for Hawthorn and Brisbane, 194 goals
- 2008, 2013 (captain), 2014 (captain) and 2015 (captain) Premierships
- 2008, 2014 Norm Smith Medal
- 2005, 2010 Best and Fairest
- 2006, 2007, 2008 Top Three Best and Fairest
- 2005, 2008, 2010 (captain) All Australian
- 2011-16 Hawthorn Captain
- 2024 Hawthorn Hall of Fame inductee
