With the 2014 season now complete, hawthornfc.com.au will review the season of those who played a senior game for the Hawks in 2014 with the help of GM - Football Operations, Chris Fagan.
 

There is no greater recognition than being named the best captain in the league by your peers and then going on to be best on ground in a winning Grand Final in the same year.

Season 2014 is certainly one to remember for Luke Hodge.

He reached his 250^th career game in fitting fashion – on Grand Final Day, a day in which he has made his own by winning two Norm Smith Medals.

Now a dual Hawthorn premiership captain, Hodge’s on-field performance was nothing short of outstanding this season but it was too, his off-field influence that made his year special.

When Coach Alastair Clarkson was struck down with illness, Hodge led the players, together with his leadership ground, to take charge, stand up when needed and guide the team through the challenging period with a stand-in coach.

The Hawks won five out of five in Clarkson’s absence and Hodge was exceptional in each of those games, averaging 25.4 disposals, 4.8 clearances, 4.4 marks and 3.8 tackles.

In the absence of injured veterans Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell for large portions of the year, Hodge graduated into a more midfield role than he’s been usually accustomed in recent years.

There, he became a critical part of the midfield rotation and forced a damaging partnership with vice-captain Jordan Lewis.

Known more for putting his body on the line across half back and marshaling the defence, Hodge made a significant impact in the middle, and was in fact ranked third for centre clearances (1.2 average) and equal fourth for clearances (3.6).

Hodge also pushed forward to set up scoring chances for his teammates, ranked fifth for inside 50s (3.8 average) then also set up counterattacks from defence, ranked sixth for rebound 50s (2.1 average).

Of course, he took his fair share of marks and was ranked fourth at the Club (5.9 average) and Luke Hodge wouldn’t be Luke Hodge without ranking highly for one percenters, also ranked fourth.

It’s hard to imagine given the illustrious career Hodge has already had but season 2014 might just have been his best yet despite having won the Club’s best and fairest twice (2005, 2010).

He averaged more disposals than he has in any season since the first time he won the Peter Crimmins Medal (in ’05 he averaged 27.6), with 25.

In 2014 though, Hodge is more than just a player who can find the footy.

Many times he has been described as almost coach-like such is his understanding of the game and ability to adapt and change in the middle of quarters and guide his teammates.

He leads by his actions and by his words, inspires his teammates and of course can do unbelievable things with ball in hand.

One factor Hodge would view better than his season in best and fairest-winning years of 2005 and 2010 is the fact he captained a premiership side.

Then of course there’s the fact he was best on ground in the Grand Final and won the Norm Smith Medal thanks to an unbelievable performance of 35 disposals, 12 marks, four clearances, four tackles and two goals.

That performance was the culmination of an outstanding on-field home-and-away season and finals series, where he averaged 24.5 disposals, 9.0 marks, 4.0 tackles, 2.0 clearances and a goal in the first two finals.

He was duly rewarded and recognised for his outstanding year by finishing fourth in the Peter Crimmins Medal.

Hodge was outstanding when it mattered most – in Clarkson’s absence and in September – it’s hard to think and even believe he might just be improving even more.
 

What GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said: “‘Hodgey’ again stepped it up on the big stage. To win a second Norm Smith Medal, it’s great for him and a great reward but the best part about him is his leadership. His ability to get the guys around him to play better footy and to make them better just by the way he plays is outstanding.

“When he started as captain four years ago, there were parts of his captaincy that were a bit scratchy but he’s worked really hard to become a really great captain. He was acknowledged for that by winning the ‘Best Captain’ award at the AFLPA awards night, which is fitting recognition for him.

“He will go down as one of Hawthorn’s all-time greats and one of the game’s all-time greats and good on him because he’s earned this reputation.”
 

Luke Hodge in the news in 2014
- Hodge 250: How Clarkson transformed the Hawks skipper
- Photos: 250 games of Luke Hodge
- Hodge feeling as good as ever

Videos featuring Luke Hodge in 2014
- Hodge speaks after the premiership
- #everymoment: Hodge