MPNFL: Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge to play with Devon Meadows

Hawks legend Luke Hodge is set to make a footy comeback in the Mornington Peninsula league, signing to play with a Division 2 club.

AFL Grand Final 2015 Luke Hodge and the premiership cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

He likes the jumper and is chomping at the bit to get out there and have a kick again.

Luke Hodge will return to the footy field for the first time since retiring from the AFL in 2019 when he plays a one-off game with Devon Meadows in the Mornington Peninsula second division on Saturday, June 18.

Devon Meadows will tackle Seaford at Glover Reserve and the club is hoping to pull a big crowd.

“He will teach the boys a hell of a lot with his leadership,” Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy said.

“I think the young fellas especially will learn a lot off him and he’s going to be very important on the field too I reckon, we’re playing Seaford and they’re travelling alright, so it’s only going to help us with the result I think.”

Luke Hodge with Devon Meadows coach Ryan Hendy (left) and club president Chris Langley. Picture: Devon Meadows FNC

Hodge met with Devon Meadows officials on Saturday morning and tried on the Panthers jumper.

Hendy said Hodge would likely play in the midfield.

“He’s pretty fit at the moment, he’s been doing a bit of work, he’s pretty keen to have a bit of an impact so we’ll probably look to play him around the midfield,” he said.

“I went and caught up with him on Saturday morning and he said he’s really looking forward to it, he said he’s chomping at the bit to have a kick.

“Hopefully he plays well and enjoys himself.”

Hodge’s 305 games with Hawthorn included four premierships (three as captain) and two Norm Smith Medals.

He was a three-time All Australian during his time with the Hawks.

Hodge played a further 41 games with Brisbane Lions before retiring in 2019.