Luke Hodge is admired for so much on and off the field, writes Mark Robinson
IT’S difficult to pinpoint exactly what you admire most about Luke Hodge, writes Mark Robinson. Maybe one word describes it all ... legend.
Mark Robinson
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IT’S difficult to pinpoint exactly what you admire most about Luke Hodge.
The four premierships? The two Norm Smith medals?
The courage, sacrifice and leadership?
Maybe it’s because in the flighty world of AFL, where ego and accolades collide as much as the players do at weekends, Hodge has maintained a modesty beyond what has been reasonably required.
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Maybe it’s because he’s remained natural and true to himself.
He’s a lad from Colac, no doubt, and just happened to play football at an incredibly high level of performance and competitiveness.
Still, there is a complexity to his normality. He said he hated talking to media and big groups of people, but when he was miked up by Channel Seven two weeks ago, Hodge spoke with an authority and confidence that belied his off-field persona and opened us all up to his on-field aura.
Maybe one word describes all of that: legend.
This year, the Hall of Fame committee selected Malcolm Blight as its 26th legend of the AFL.
Hodge is not nearly talented enough to rival Blight or Jezza, or Lockett, Coleman and Baldock, in football’s ultimate group, but legend status can’t be all about skill.
Look at Ron Barassi.
Those who saw Barassi play and those who have described Barassi play speak of a warrior existence.
Barassi won two best-and-fairests, as has Hodge, and it is said that had the Norm Smith Medal existed when Barassi prowled the MCG in the 1950s and 1960s he would own three, maybe four, himself.
Hodge, 33, is the modern-day Barassi.
“One of the most determined players ever to play the game. He did not know how to accept defeat. His attack on the football and inspired leadership made him a football great.’’
Which of Barassi or Hodge were those words written about?
Monday, Hodge announced his retirement.
Always, on days like this, it is a time of reflection. Mostly everyone would have a favourite Hodge moment or game.
The Normies come to mind, playing with busted ribs and all that hero stuff. But there was also the 2007 elimination final against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium, when Hodge, at just 23, announced that September didn’t scare him, but would instead define him.
The match will be remembered for Lance Franklin’s seven goals.
But Hawthorn folk will remember it as the match where Hodge underlined his competitiveness.
In the club’s first final since 2001, Hodge injured his knee in the second term.
He returned after half-time, knee bandaged and wobbling like a duck, and imposed his will on the contest.
With his power limited, Hodge maximised those aspects of the game which would define his career.
He made spoils in defence, and was creative up forward and unrelenting at stoppages.
Like Barassi, he refused to yield to probable defeat.
Hodge would become the ultimate big-game performer - football’s oldest and truest compliment.
He had swagger, without the tags which came with it.
And his battle uniform never changed: jumper out, socks down, face stubbled, finger pointed, and head often bandaged.
Images abound of Hodge from his 16 years of football.
Been a star Hodgey, bit flat we might not get another chance to butt heads.. always bloody competitive but a lot of fun! @LHodge15 #welldone
— steve johnson (@Steviejohnson20) July 10, 2017
What a star Luke Hodge is. Amazing career. Only beaten Hawthorn once in my career, he's a big reason why #AFLlegend
— Sam Jacobs (@samjacobs24) July 10, 2017
Luke Hodge epitomizes what Australian football is about . Tough , talented, brave and all for team. I will miss watching him
— Neil Mitchell (@3AWNeilMitchell) July 10, 2017
But those of him leading the players up the race at the MCG in the Grand Finals, face taut, focus assured, are enduring images.
They are of a man leading his teammates into the unknown, but always with purpose and confidence — the purpose and confidence that helped make Hodge the footballer he is.
How much did Hodge make his teammates stand taller and play smarter?
Only they can answer that.
What we do know is Hodge was the ultra team player who played on the edge, and sometimes tripped over the edge.
“I would do anything for the team and anything for my football club to achieve success,’’ Hodge said.
“Sometimes that means I’ve crossed the line, and I know that’s not the best part.
“But I’ve been able to achieve a lot of things people at other clubs haven’t, and that’s something I’m really proud of.’’
Coach Alastair Clarkson said Hodge was a once-in-a-generation player.
“Without doubt all his teammates, all his coaches and all within the footy club would know the greatest contribution to the success of this footy club is the sacrificial manner he’s gone about it,’’ he said.
Arguably, Hodge is Hawthorn’s greatest ever leader.
Not the best, mind you — for there is Leigh Matthews, Peter Hudson, Jason Dunstall, Peter Knights, Lance Franklin and Sam Mitchell.
But Matthews himself said: “There’s a stat which only two people have got: three-time premiership captain in consecutive years.
“And that’s Michael Voss and Luke Hodge.
“I saw Vossy at close quarters, and Hodgey is only the other one I think is comparable I’ve seen.
“Great player and great leader — the two things together is the combination which is rare as hen’s teeth.
“No one compares to Michael Voss with me, except Luke Hodge.’’
Can you love a player?
Clarkson certainly does, for Hodge has given the coach and the club 16 years of everything’s he got.
As for the rest of us, there is a love.
We loved the way he played. Skilled, tough, courageous, always running back with the flight of the ball and mostly always inspiring.
Hodgey, the game thanks you and admires you.
mark.robinson@news.com.au
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