Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge to retire at end of 2017 AFL season

LUKE Hodge has announced his retirement, saying it’s in the best interests of Hawthorn if he stepped aside to let the new wave flourish. Poll: Where does he rate? HODGE’S CAREER IN PICTURES

Luke Hodge with Alistair Clarkson after the 2013 grand final win. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

HAWTHORN champion Luke Hodge says he would never want to stand in the way of the development of the younger teammates.

An emotional Hodge, 33, confirmed that he will “hang up the boots” at the end of the season.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE SOME OF THE BEST PHOTOS THROUGHOUT LUKE HODGE’S DECORATED CAREER

The four-time premiership said he entered the season knowing it would be his last.

“I’m still loving football, still really enjoy it,” Hodge said.

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“My body still feels good but what I’ve realised over the last month is the development of our younger guys.

“They’ve really taken steps and personally ... if I play on next year (knowing) that I’ll be taking a spot of a younger guy and as a senior bloke I would never want to do that, especially with the class the younger guys have shown.”

Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge is looking forward to more time with his family. Picture: AAP

Injuries to key defenders this season, including Ben Stratton, James Frawley and Grant Birchall, has allowed the Hawks to blood young guns Ryan Burton, Blake Hardwick and Kaiden Brand.

Daniel Howe, Tim O’Brien, Kurt Heatherley and speedster Billy Hartung have also benefited from greater exposure as the Hawks resurrected an 0-5 start to now be an outside chance of finals.

“We knew we had a lot of younger guys that were ready to stand up,” Hodge said.

“I think the last month has really, really locked it in ... especially down back.

“If we’re talking about the future of the footy club, and how we can best leave it when we’re out of here, it’s by giving those guys the responsibility that they’ve really enjoyed.”

Hodge, who is set to play his 300th game on Saturday at the MCG against arch rival Geelong, said talk about his retirement started last year.

The fearless leader wants to be remembered as someone who would do anything for the team.

“Footy is a rollercoaster ride but I tell you what, we’ve had some really good times here and we’re probably lucky enough that every 10 years there will be four opportunities we’ll be able to come back as a group and celebrate what we’ve achieved as a footy club.”

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson paid tribute to Hodge.

“In the press release we mentioned about once in a generation type of player and Hodgey is certainly that,” Clarkson said.

“I don’t think there was a position that he didn’t play in his 16-year career, he even liked to fancy himself as a ruck there for a fair period of time when the rules allowed that.

“That would suggest that he’s got a fair amount of talent ... (but) the most significant thing that he’s contributed to our footy club, and it’s success, has been the sacrificial manner in which he’s gone about

it.

“He’s always put his teammates and his footy club ahead of himself and that’s rare in a game where there’s so much adulation placed upon players that have success in this game.

“He’s been able to demonstrate that better than any other player I’ve ever come across in any form of footy.”

A proven media performer and ready-made coach, Hodge will decide what the future holds after consultation with his wife, Lauren, and their sons, Cooper, Chase and Leo.

HODGEY — A PHENOMENAL HAWK

Age: 33

Drafted: Pick no.1, 2001

Games: 299*

Goals: 192*

Premierships: 2008, 2013-15

Norm Smith Medal: 2008, 2014

All-Australian: 2005, 2008 and 2010

Peter Crimmins Medal: 2005, 2010

Hawthorn captain: 2011-16

Hawks coach Alistair Clarkson says Luke Hodge is a ‘once-in-a-generation’ player. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Before it all started: Luke Hodge photographed as a draft prospect from the Geelong Falcons.

Luke Hodge with his mum Leanne and dad Bryson after being taken with pick No.1 in 2001. Picture: David Crosling

Tough as nails from the start. Luke Hodge at the bottom of a pack against Richmond, the team he made his debut against back in 2002.

Rain, hail or shine.

Even against the game’s toughest and hardest players, Luke Hodge has never taken a backwards step.

Not even some bandaging around his head after bumps and bruises could stop him.

Luke Hodge was best on ground in Hawthorn’s 2008 premiership triumph.

He would go on to win not one, not two ... Picture: Michael Klein

... not three. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

... but four premierships, including captaining the three-peat. Picture: Michael Klein

Just saying hello to ex-teammate Lance Franklin on Grand Final day in 2014. Picture: Tim Carrafa

He will play game 300 on Saturday. Picture: Michael Klein

Well played, Hodgey. Picture: Michael Klein

Hawthorn champion. Picture: Nicole Garmston