It’s hard to believe Luke Hodge entered season 2013 with many doubting whether he could return to his best.
In 2012, Hodge battled injury for most of the season before finally returning to captain the side during the finals series, but he had played just 10 games after battling calf and knee problems.
So, when season 2013 edged closer, the Hawthorn captain was forced to answer questions about his knees and whether his body could still withstand the rigors of AFL football.
If his words weren’t enough, everyone had their answer by Round 3.
Hodge missed the Round 1 blockbuster against Geelong but returned in Round 2 where he was best on ground in the win over West Coast with 25 disposals and four tackles.
He was unstoppable in that game, playing across half back and through the midfield and played like only Luke Hodge can, with grit, determination and courage.
He was then best on ground again against Collingwood in Round 3, where he received three Brownlow votes for his 31 disposals, six tackles and two goals.
Luke Hodge had lost none of his talent and certainly none of what makes him a great player, his on-field leadership and ability to adapt to any situation.
He had many in the media eating their words.
In fact, Hodge missed only two games in 2013, playing 23 of a possible 25 matches and led his team to premiership glory.
He had one of his best seasons, where his courage and tenacity left many in awe as his desire to win and play the ball shone. He finished fifth in the Club’s best and fairest.
The 29 year old averaged 21.8 disposals, five marks, 3.5 tackles and almost a goal a game - his year was outstanding in terms of his output and his leadership both on and off the field.
Even a fractured thumb couldn’t stop him, missing only one game with the injury before returning to face Collingwood in Round 21 where he was again best on ground and earned three Brownlow votes.
That performance, where he gathered 28 disposals, took eight marks and laid three tackles while playing with a protective glove only enhanced his reputation as one of the most courageous players in the game who is respected by everyone, including fans of opposition teams.
The Hawks skipper played in a variety of roles throughout the season too, and managed to have an impact wherever coach Alastair Clarkson sent him.
He was brilliant across half back as the general in defence and impressive when he spent time in the midfield and up forward.
He was ranked sixth at the Club for clearances and rebound 50s and ranked seventh for tackles. There is no surprise though, that he was ranked in the top five for one percenters given he is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the team.
One of his best games came in Round 7, in the Grand Final re-match against Sydney at the MCG where he had 32 disposals, laid five tackles and kicked a goal.
His game against Port Adelaide in Round 16 was good too, where he had 26 touches, laid four tackles and kicked a goal.
Hodge’s ability to read the game was one of his biggest strengths this season as it allowed him to pick the opponent that would best suit his style of play down back, where he’d provide run and help his fellow defenders.
He did that to great effect this year on a number of occasions, which forced sides to send a player specifically to stand him.
His finals series was outstanding, averaging 20 disposals, 5.3 marks and 2.3 tackles but his influence on his teammates transcended the stats sheet.
Hodge’s role at Hawthorn is to provide direction and guidance to his teammates and he does it better than anyone in the competition.
The veteran knows how important a strong pre-season is, and he will lead by his actions on the training track over summer to ensure there is no “premiership hangover”.
What Chris Fagan said: “It was a great year by ‘Hodgey’, he finished top five in our best and fairest and could easily have won it.
“He played a variety of roles throughout the season, mixing it between midfield and half back.
“His on-field leadership went to another level this year and really set an example to his teammates in his willingness to play whatever role was required of him each weekend and got the fitting reward to hold the premiership cup up as captain.
“I reckon it’s fitting that Luke Hodge is a premiership captain.”
Hodge in the news in 2013
- We were always confident of winning the flag: Hodge
- Hodge’s leadership like no other
- Hodge still leads the way
- Belief, trust strong amongst Hawks: Hodge
- Hodge re-signs
Videos featuring Hodge in 2013
- Luke Hodge speech at the Peter Crimmins Medal
- Hodge speaks ahead of the Grand Final re-match
- Top 5 one percenters: Hodge
- Hodge’s amazing goal against the Bulldogs
