Hawthorn veteran and four-time Premiership player Luke Hodge has today announced his retirement from AFL football, effective at the end of the season.
Ahead of his impending 300 game milestone, the 33-year-old informed the playing group this morning that he would hang up his boots at season’s end, after a stellar 16 year career in the brown and gold.
Watch Luke Hodge's live press conference
“The decision to finish my playing career at the end of the season is something I’ve thought long and hard about. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it is the right decision for both the club and I,” Hodge said.
“I’m still passionate about footy and I still love running out with the boys each week, but I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my family, and given where the club is at, I know there are several guys knocking down the door and I’m more than happy to step aside for them.
“I would like to thank everyone at Hawthorn Football Club for embracing my family and I over the past 16 years. This place has become like family and I’ll leave here with friendships and memories that will last forever.
“To the fans and members, thankyou for your continued support, it has been an honour to play in front of the brown and gold army every week and I look forward to the next seven weeks and seeing where our 2017 campaign can take us.
“I’d like to make special mention of the team at Connors Sport Management, in particular Paul and Mel, for all the support they have given to my family and I since I joined them as a seventeen year-old.
“Lastly, thank you to my wife Lauren, my three beautiful sons Cooper, Chase and Leo, and all my family and friends, without your support and sacrifice none of this would have been possible.”
Hawthorn Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson paid tribute to one of the club’s greatest players.
“Hodgey has been an outstanding servant of this football club for a long period of time and has played a vital role in building and driving the club’s culture,” Clarkson said.
“His influence and leadership on and off the field is second to none and the guidance he has shown to the younger players coming through the ranks has been exemplary.
“Hodgey's greatest attribute has been his capacity to commit to sacrificial acts that help his team-mates, coaches and club. In that regard, he is a once in a generation type of player.
“I’d like to thank Luke, Lauren, Cooper, Chase and Leo for their outstanding contribution to our club and wish them all the best for the next chapter of their lives.”
Hodge debuted in Round 5 2002 after being selected with pick 1 in the 2001 National Draft from the Geelong Falcons. He has since gone on to win four premierships, two Norm Smith Medals and captained the club from 2011 - 2016.
Hodge will join Michael Tuck, Leigh Matthews, Shane Crawford, Chris Langford, Don Scott, Kelvin Moore and Sam Mitchell as players to play 300 AFL games for Hawthorn.
Career highlights:
Captain: 2011-2016
Premiership side: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
Norm Smith Medal: 2008, 2014
All Australian team: 2005, 2008, 2010 (captain)
Peter Crimmins Medal: 2005, 2010
International Rules Series: 2005, 2014, 2015
Jim Stynes Medal: 2014
AFL Rising Star Nominee: 2002
