Luke Hodge to make footy comeback with Devon Meadows in the MPNFL

The four-time premiership champion will have his old pal Alastair Clarkson close by when he lines up with a Mornington Peninsula flag contender.

Hawthorn Hawks captain Luke Hodge (left) and coach Alastair Clarkson (right) celebrate winning the AFL Grand Final in 2015. Picture: Julian Smith

It was an idea that started at a function.

Months later, Luke Hodge is set to return to the football field on Saturday — as a Devon Meadows Panther in Division 2 of the Mornington Peninsula league.

And his former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson will be there watching; the pair will speak at a 200-strong luncheon before the game at Glover Reserve, Devon Meadows.

“I think it started with a function,” Hodge told GameFace’s Dan Lonergan of his decision to pull on the boots again.

“It went from that to maybe having a kick and after a couple of beers I think we committed to a game of football.”

Hodge will be the centre of attention as Devon Meadows hosts Seaford in a battle between two of the hottest sides in Division 2.

The 7-2 Panthers are in second spot, while a young and quick Seaford is on a six-game winning streak.

Luke Hodge takes a kick for Brisbane. Picture: Darren England

Hodge trained in the rain with Devon Meadows last week, and was an instant hit with his new teammates.

“He wanted to have a good blow before he played,” Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy said.

“He was marshalling the boys and directing them. He had a ball out there I reckon.”

Hodge will wear No.23 for Devon Meadows and said he would play “wherever the coach wants me”.

Hendy said the champ would play mainly up forward “and pinch hit in the midfield’’.

“I don’t think I’ll be instructing him too much, I’ll just let him go out and do what he does best,” Hendy said.

“I’m looking forward to coaching him, it will be a good experience for me as well.”

Hendy is tipping a massive crowd at the game, “maybe two or three thousand”.

Luke Hodge in Devon Meadows colours, with Panthers coach Ryan Hendy (left) and club president Chris Langley. Picture: Facebook

Hodge had a stellar career, including captaining Hawthorn to three successive flags.

After finishing up at the Hawks, the former No.1 draft pick had two seasons with Brisbane Lions in 2018-19 before hanging up the boots after the Lions’ semi-final loss in 2019.

“Since I finished I’ve been saying I need to do something to get back into it,” Hodge said.

“It’s got me back into the gym again because I haven’t done a hell of a lot in the past six months.

“I’m looking forward to getting out there and having a bit of a kick and enjoying it.”

Hendy said Hodge was fully invested in Devon Meadows and could possibly play more games this season.

“Oh mate, he’s a ripping fella, an absolute ripper, he’s an genuine as they come,” Hendy said.

“That’s been the best thing about it, he’s really bought in and shown a lot of interest in how we’ve gone since he decided to play with us.

“Every week he messages us to see how we’re going, it’s been really good.

“There are definitely some talks going on about whether he’ll play for the rest of the year. We’ll just wait and see how he pulls up after Saturday and if he enjoyed it or not. I’m sure if he did we might get a few more out of him.”

Luke Hodge’s AFL career:

Four-time premiership player (2008, 2013, 2014, 2015)

* Two-time Norm Smith medallist (2008 and 2014)

* Three-time All Australian (2005, 2008 and 2010, when he was named captain)

* Hawthorn captain from 2011 to 2016

* Two-time Hawthorn best and fairest (2005 and 2010)