It was a frustrating year for the Hawks skipper, missing 15 of a possible 25 matches in season 2012.
First it was a calf injury that had him sidelined from Rounds 1-4, then it was a knee injury that derailed the middle part of his season. He was again on the sidelines from Rounds 7-17.
Luke Hodge’s inability to return to the field for the Hawks had many questioning his ability to return and have an impact for his side, given he had played just two matches up until Round 18 of the 2012 season.
Just five weeks out from the finals series, Hodge made a triumphant return against the Bombers at Etihad Stadium in Round 18.
It was a return performance not many expected, with the skipper booting five goals in three quarters before being subbed out of the match at three quarter time.
In a role unfamiliar to him, Hodge lined up at full forward alongside Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead as Lance Franklin sat in the stands, also out with injury.
Hodge proved a natural in the position, with his overhead marking ability an asset to the Hawks’ forward half. He booted five himself and set up teammates in scoring positions as he reminded the football world of his talent, and his unrelenting desire to succeed.
Alastair Clarkson eased his captain back into the AFL the next week, subbing Hodge out of the game at three quarter time in the loss to the Cats.
The next week, the Round 20 win over the Power saw Hodge play his first full game of AFL in four months, and was a key player in bringing the Hawks back into a challenging contest against the Power.
He played in his usual position, across half back, slotting into his role as the general of the back half.
Then, 35 disposals against Gold Coast followed by two 22 disposal efforts in the next three weeks had the football community acknowledging Luke Hodge was back and ready to have an impact as Hawthorn turned its attention to its finals campaign.
He led the way in the Qualifying Final against Collingwood, setting the example of what’s expected in finals football with his attitude, his ferocity, his courage and his at times kamikaze attack on the ball.
15 disposals, five marks, four tackles and two goals was his return, but his impact was much more profound than the numbers suggest.
Illness struck on the eve of the Preliminary Final, costing Hodge the chance to lead his side in the penultimate round. It was almost comical, the fact Hodge couldn’t even attend the match given the bad luck encountered throughout the year.
But, it would take more than a bug to stop the inspirational skipper from leading his Hawks in the 2012 AFL Grand Final, declaring himself fit and ready to go on the Monday of Grand Final week.
His performances in his 10 matches of 2012 illustrated Hodge is still the same player he’s always been, proving his critics wrong when they questioned his credentials as a player who can return to his best after injury.
He has had post-season surgery and the Hawks will no doubt take no risks with him, ensuring he is fit and healthy before unleashing him on the competition in 2013.
| GA | K | H | D | DE% | CP | UP | M | CL | T | I50 | G | PCM | |
| 2012 averages | 10 | 12.1 | 7 | 19.1 | 72 | 7 | 11.7 | 4.4 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 41 |
Hawks players get around their skipper as he kicks one of his five goals in his comeback against Essendon.
Hodge in the news in 2012
Courage, skill and passion: Hodge's 200 games Hodge a certainty Videos featuring Hodge in 2012
Hodge lays a crunching tackle Hodge reflects on 200 games Seven in Seven: Hodge How did you rate Hodge's 2012 season? Leave your view below.
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