HODGE IS A HAPPY LION

LUKE Hodge will spend five days as the only No.1 pick on Brisbane’s list and then the next two years mentoring the player the Lions select to join his exclusive club at Friday’s national draft.

It is understood Cam Raynor has his nose in front of Andrew Brayshaw and Luke Davies-Uniake as the Lions’ coaching group’s preference and unless something happens in the coming days to sway opinion, the goal-kicking midfielder from Vic Metro will be the first name called in Sydney on Friday night.

Hodge, the first pick in the 2001 super draft, said he would not limit his attention to the No.1 pick and he intended to work with all the younger players.

However, the 305-game veteran admitted there were expectations he struggled with as the top draft pick that he could help steer Brisbane’s first No.1 selection since Des Headland in 1998.

“Everything they are going through, I’ve been through it,’’ he said.

“Whether it is moving away from home, being a high draft pick or struggling those first few years. My first three or four years, I didn’t like footy that much, I played it, but the expectations probably got to me a little bit.

“Young kids don’t like to talk, I didn’t, so I will probably try to get to know them, probe a bit and try to show support where I think they need it.’’

Hodge said he has found joining a young list like Brisbane’s to be the perfect way to breathe new life into old legs.

The 33-year-old completed his first session as a Lion at Yeronga yesterday and left the field buzzing from the enthusiasm of his new teammates.

“First thing as we walked out on the track was just how energetic the young guys are,’’ he said. “Where I’ve come from has been an older group, sometimes you need the young guys to push the vibe of the place and running out there, the atmosphere was great.

“The excitement of the young guys, being an old fella, is exactly what you need.’’

The only dampener for the Lions remains the ongoing uncertainty over State Government funding for their proposed new training and administration base at Springfield.

Frustrated Lions officials had hoped to have election promises from the major parties before they went to the draft.

The flight risk of draftees is always their biggest fear and the ability to provide the nation’s best teenager details on the new facility would be a major bonus in securing him on a long-term deal.

The Lions’ AFLW side also began their pre-season last night and it is the girls, who currently have no permanent address, that will be the biggest losers if the project falls over.

MY FIRST THREE OR FOUR YEARS I DIDN’T LIKE FOOTY THAT MUCH, I PLAYED IT, BUT THE EXPECTATIONS PROBABLY GOT TO ME A LITTLE BIT. LUKE HODGE