THREE-TIME premiership captain Luke Hodge says he remains hungry to lead Hawthorn in 2016.
Speaking at the Hawks’ pre-season camp in Mooloolaba on the weekend, the four-time premiership player and dual Norm Smith Medallist said he was all about putting the team first.
Hodge said he had not lost the desire to lead the team – if that’s what is best for it.
He inherited the captaincy from current teammate Sam Mitchell at the end of 2010, and has captained the club in more than 100 games.
“I’ve really enjoyed being captain of the Hawthorn Football Club and it’s still something that I’m really keen to do,’’ Hodge told The Courier-Mail.
“A lot has been taken from what I said at the end of the season, and the end of last season as well, that I’d do whatever is best for the footy club.
“But I’ve got the hunger to still be captain, I’ve still got the passion and it’s a really good group to lead.”
The Hawks have a number of strong leaders waiting in the wings, including Hodge’s 2015 deputies, Jarryd Roughead and Jordan Lewis.
Lewis spoke about the Hawks’ depth of leadership last week.
He says there are a number of contenders if Hodge was to pass on the role to a teammate, but sees no need to change.
"When the time is right, Hodgey will understand that he's not going to be around forever," he said.
"If he feels the need to pass that on, whether it's this year or next year, there's probably a handful of guys waiting in the wings.
"[Each one] obviously could stand up and lead this team really well.
"Hodgey is obviously the leader and has been a great leader for so long - why tip him out when he's at the top of his game?"
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