Veterans such as Luke Hodge have become hot property in the twilight of their careers

WHAT we have learned from Luke Hodge’s move to Brisbane is that being a one-club player doesn’t matter as much anymore and don’t to be surprised to see more shock moves next year.

Hawthorn great Luke Hodge will play at Brisbane next year. Picture: Michael Klein

THE seed was planted the night Luke Hodge wore a microphone for Channel 7.

The cold night in June that Hawthorn upset Adelaide offered an insight into the thinking of one of the game’s best skippers during a match.

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan was watching that night and he shot a text message to key figures at the club.

That’s exactly what we need, his message read.

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Four months on, and with Hodge, 33, secured for next year at least, it looks a very savvy move by the Lions.

He might only play 12-15 games, but Hodge will be such a smart addition for a side which has been rebuilding for far too long.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said watching “Hodgey” play for another team would rip his guts out, and offered him another contract to round out the veteran’s glittering career in brown and gold.

Luke Hodge has come out of planned retirement to join Brisbane. Picture: Getty Images

But the game has changed in that regard, over the past two years.

While it is not quite an entirely antiquated concept, the one-club badge of honour does not seem to sparkle as much as it once used to.

Now, opportunity can knock, even for players in their twilight.

The general consensus among the playing and management fraternity is that if Hawthorn champions Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis can swap colours, along with Cats’ greats James Kelly and Steve Johnson, and to a lesser extent Drew Petrie and Daniel Wells, anyone can.

With their shock moves, these players have broken the mould.

Even Richmond tried to coerce St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt out of his planned retirement, but was knocked back.

Jordan Lewis changed colours from brown and gold to red and blue. Picture: Getty Images

It makes you wonder who else will be in the same boat in 10 or so months from now.

While we thought guys like Shaun Burgoyne, Harry Taylor and Jarrad McVeigh might have been rusted on to their clubs forever, now the question has to be asked by the rivals at either end of the ladder, who are looking for an extra dollop of direction.

If you can make a strong impact on a club’s culture and leadership in particular, and importantly still contribute in a meaningful way on the field, then why shouldn’t they go for it?

WOULD THEY START A NEW CHAPTER?

Veteran stars who could kick-on elsewhere

Richard Douglas (Ade) 30

Kade Simpson (Car) 33

David Mundy (Fre) 32

Harry Taylor (Gee) 31

Grant Birchall (Haw) 30

Shaun Burgoyne (Haw) 35

Jarryd Roughead (Haw) 30

Kieran Jack (Syd) 30

Jarrad McVeigh (Syd) 32

Liam Picken (WB) 31