Hawthorn Captain Luke Hodge has been nominated for Sports Dad of the Year.
Hodge, 30, has two sons with wife Lauren – Cooper (6) and Chase (1).
The Award recognises sporting fathers who make positive impressions in the community with the winner donating $5,000 to his charity of choice.
Vote for Hodge at www.sportsdads.com.au
It highlights 10 elite athletes across a broad range of sporting fields, giving insights into how they juggle fatherhood with their sporting commitments.
Hodge’s answers are listed below:
How hard is it spending so much time away from the kids during the season?
Luke Hodge: Not ideal because they grow up quickly and you want to experience as much of their childhood as you can. In saying that, we do get a lot of holidays and spend some quality time together through the off season.
How often do you talk to the kids when you are on an away trip?
Hodge: Every day! Coop always calls me up and wishes me good luck on the day of the game and Chase echoes whatever Coop says!
How big an inspiration are the kids to your career?
Hodge: It’s always great when your kids take a massive interest. Coop always asks what I and the boys do at training. He always wants to have a kick.
Do they take an active interest in your career?
Hodge: Coop has grown up with it and all his mates at school love it.
On game day, do you like to relax with the kids or do they understand to keep away from you?
Hodge: As a dad you can’t relax with the kids! I generally go for a walk with Coop down the park before a game. Then get ready about half an hour before I go. But I do everything with the kids.
Besides their birth, obviously, what is your most memorable moment with your kids?
Hodge: Celebrating the premiership with Coop and Chase on the sidelines. Having my family there to celebrate and share with is something I will hold onto forever.
Where's their favourite place they like you to take them?
Hodge: Coop loves going ten pin bowling – it’s always a battle when we go!
Favourite family holiday?
Hodge: We went to Port Douglas last year. It was great to get away from training and commitments for a while. We had perfect weather and it was a quality time.
Cooper was also asked a few questions about his dad.
What makes your dad so great?
Cooper Hodge: He runs fast like me and he’s an awesome footballer. Dad is also cool because makes me laugh by making funny faces, he also does funny exercises and stretches-they’re really funny!
What is the best thing dad does for you?
Cooper: I love it when we kick the footy together and wrestle. Dad sometimes sneaks me lollies without mum knowing.
Do you watch him on the tv?
Cooper: Yes, I really like to watch the Hawks on TV. I always cheer for Dad . I’ve even been to a few of his games, which was awesome.
Do you want to be like Dad when you grow up?
Cooper: Yes, because he’s famous, a great Dad and I love him.
