Hodge walks away a winner

HAWTHORN sent retiring AFL champion Luke Hodge off with a nine-point win that ended the Western Bulldogs’ premiership defence last night.

The 15.9 (99) to 13.12 (90) win also brought an end to the decorated careers of Bulldogs greats Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd — and injured Hawks defender Josh Gibson.

The Dogs needed to beat the Hawks and have three other results go their way but they couldn’t complete their part of the equation in front of 48,090 fans on an emotional night at Etihad Stadium.

Hodge was warmly applauded by the Hawks home crowd every time he touched the ball.

In his 305th and final AFL game, the four-time premiership star played his customary role across halfback and fin- ished with 14 possessions.

Murphy started up forward and was lively early before finishing with 15 disposals and a goal, while Boyd was outstanding with an equal game high 33 touches.

Both teams formed a guard of honour at the end of the game with the retiring stars saluting the crowd.

The Dogs trailed at every change and looked to be out of the contest when the Hawks opened a game-high 24-point lead late in the third term.

But Luke Beveridge’s men mustered one last push and had the better of the final term without making the most of their chances. Hawthorn skipper Jarryd Roughead was dominant, finishing with five goals, with Isaac Smith and Paul Puopolo booting three each. Tom Mitchell (32 possessions) and Jaeger O’Meara (25 disposals and 11 tackles) gave great support.