Brisbane a destination club as Luke Hodge, Charlie Cameron signal intent to join Lions

BRISBANE has suddenly become a destination club, with Luke Hodge and Charlie Cameron both intent on joining the Lions.

Luke Hodge will play on. Picture: Getty Images

BRISBANE has suddenly become a destination club, with Luke Hodge and Charlie Cameron both intent on joining the Lions.

Hodge and his family spent the past two days in Brisbane inspecting the Lions’ facilities, checking real estate and visiting potential schools.

YEAR OF THE TIGER: PREMIERSHIP SPECIAL

PLAYER MOVES: TRIO EYE MOVE TO BOMBERS

NOT HAPPY: CROWS TRY TO KEEP CAMERON

Hawthorn have issued a statement confirming Hodge’s desire to end his short-lived retirement and play on at the Lions.

Hodge was wooed by his relationship with Lions coach Chris Fagan, who wanted to add an on-field coach to his young side.

Luke Hodge’s relationship with Chris Fagan from their Hawthorn days will lead him to the Lions.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson says the three-time premiership captain goes with the club’s blessing, and Hawthorn will work with the Lions to get a deal done.

“Luke has been an incredible servant of Hawthorn Football Club, and we will support him and his family in the next step of their journey,’’ he said.

“We respect Luke’s decision to take up this new opportunity presented by the Lions and understand the personal development opportunities it provides.’’

However, the Crows are not about to give grand final player Cameron up so easily.

Unlike Hodge, Cameron is contracted for next season and is very much a required player at West Lakes.

Adelaide reacted angrily mid-season when Lions coach Chris Fagan expressed his interest in Cameron, who wants to move to Queensland for family reasons.

Charlie Cameron wants to head to Brisbane but th Crows aren’t keen. Picture: Getty Images

If the Crows decide to deal, they are likely to demand one of Brisbane’s first-round draft picks, potentially the No.12 pick of Port Adelaide’s they secured in futures trade last year.

Brisbane will also receive a compensation pick for former captain Tom Rockliff’s expected move to Port Adelaide. That pick is likely to be No.19.

Cameron was originally drafted as a rookie, but has made giant leaps and has played 73 games for the Crows since debuting in 2014.

He has been top 10 in their club championships the past two years.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast defender Adam Saad has identified the Bombers as his preferred destination.

The Courier-Mail reported on Saturday that Saad had shocked the club with his desire to return to Victoria for family reasons.