2001 – The year of the aptly named ‘Super Draft’.

Hawthorn hold the golden ticket, and with their number 1 pick, they select the chubby 17-year-old from Colac.

Luke Hodge.

2002 – Hodgey’s first year at the club.

He wastes no time in showcasing his skills out on the park, earning a Rising Star nomination in his eighth senior game.

Unfortunately, the dream career start isn’t to be, as the 2002 award is eventually won by St. Kilda up-and-comer, Nick Riewoldt.

But with a top 10 finish in Hawthorn’s best and fairest in his first AFL season under his belt, the future of that chubby kid from Colac is looking bright.

2003 – After his second pre-season with the club, the now 19-year-old Hodgey has shed his baby fat and is starting to look like the tough ‘take no prisoners' player he exemplifies on the field.

He’s yet to experience his first taste of finals however, as the Hawks finish agonisingly short in ninth position at the end of the home and away season.

2004 – The year of the famous ‘Line in the Sand’ match between the Hawthorn and Essendon Football Clubs. Now famous for its all-in melees and spot fires, 18 players were charged during the Round 11 clash.

Not our angel Hodgey though…

(Unfortunately, we can't stand by that statement 12 years later.)

Another luckless season, as the Hawks slip down the ladder into 15^th position.

In dire need of something special.

2005 – ENTER: Alastair Clarkson.

Under his new head coach, Hodgey has come into his own.

He gathers 15 Brownlow votes for the season to post a top 10 finish in the league’s medal count.

He’s named on the half-back flank of the All Australian team.

He’s selected to represent the country in International Rules Football. 

And he wins the Peter Crimmins Medal.

This 21-year-old is on fire.

2006 – Despite the previous season being full of personal success for Hodge, finals football still eludes the Hawks.

And though the boys are starting their ascent, 2006 spells another quiet September for Hodgey. He watches on as fellow 2001 draftee, Chris Judd (pick 3), goes on to earn his first premiership medallion.

2007 – Finally! The year is upon us! The year ‘Mr September’ announces himself to the competition!  

The Hawks finish in fifth spot, and prepare to face Adelaide in what looms to be a huge elimination final.

Hodgey gathers 25 touches, and wills his side onto a stunning three-point victory.

Aaaand it’s over. The Hawks go down by 33 points the following week to North Melbourne. 

Footy can be a cruel beast.

2008 – You’d never believe it – the Hawks have made it to the big dance. 

But their tasked with the reigning premiers Geelong – and it’s going to take a mammoth performance to bring down the Cats.

Never fear – Luke Hodge is here.

26 disposals, five tackles and a goal later, and Hodgey has a premiership medallion and Norm Smith medal dangling around his neck. 

Take a bow, son.

2009 – Dreams of back-to-back premierships are thwarted as the Hawks limp into ninth place at the end of the 2009. 

Hodgey does what he can with several BOG performances, but it’s not enough to cure the premiership hangover.

2010 – Another Peter Crimmins medal, another All Australian, and another stellar year from our man Hodge.

To top it all off, he receives the captaincy at the close of the 2010 season.

The General’s reign has begun.

2011 – In his first year as skip, Hodge is leading by example. Averaging a (then) career-high 24.7 disposals a game, The General helps his men towards a top four finish and its first preliminary final since the ’08 crown.

What would be, a heartbreaking finish as the Hawks fall to the Pies by a mere 3 points.

For the ultra-competitive Hodge, the pain only breeds hunger. 

The competition better watch out. 

2012 – This is it. This is the Hawks’ year. No more mucking around. Hodgey means business. 

Unfortunately, business backfires – and our champ is resigned to eight weeks on the sidelines with a PCL injury.

Just a few weeks back out on the park, and he’s is forced out again – struck down with illness on the eve of the preliminary final.

Hodgey, and all Hawks fans ask the injury Gods:

He makes it back in time for the big dance, but it’s pain once more. 

The Swans kick away, and the Hawks are left wondering what’s to come.

2013 – If we told you there were three years of success to come, would it take the pain away?

With another blinder of a season, Hodge leads his club to its second consecutive grand final. 

And this time, it’s celebratory beers tears.

2014 –  Please sir, may I have some more?

Add another premiership medallion and a Norm Smith medal to that trophy cupboard, Hodgey.

2015 – Two’s a party, three’s a crowd… of 98,632 supporters packed into the ‘G, cheering on the mighty Hawks as they register the finest footy achievement of the modern era. 

Luke Hodge kicks arguably the best goal in the history of grand final goals, and holds up his third premiership cup in a row.

2016 – With his four premiership medallions, two Norm Smith medals draped around his neck, Hodge sleeps peacefully, dreaming beautiful dreams of ‘Fourthorn’.

However, the dream quickly turns into a nightmare, as the Hawks are forced out of finals in straight sets.

2017 –

After handing over the captaincy to good friend Roughy, Hodge’s season starts off on a downer as he cops a suspension for missing training. 

The kid from Colac is still alive and kicking.

On return, the 33-year-old shows his still got it, being listed among the Hawks’ best on several occasions.

And now, a week before his 300^th game, the hearts of 74,000 Hawthorn memberships are breaking. 

The General is hanging up his boots.

So we say thanks to Hodgey for 16 years of highs and highlight reels.

The General, we salute you.