Lions expect to get good value from Hodge
Brisbane football boss David Noble doesn’t expect Luke Hodge to be going through the motions as a player if, as expected, the former Hawthorn champion takes up an offer to join the Lions.
While helping to assist senior coach and good friend Chris Fagan in the development of the Lions’ playing group is what has Hodge (pictured) interested in stepping out of retirement, Noble anticipates the 305-game superstar will be as competitive as ever on the field.
“We know he’s a straight shooter. He’s an educator. He wants to help people, and that’s been part of the attraction,” Noble said.
“I think he’s a very diligent person – he’ll check all areas.
“He will want to make sure that he’s in a position to deliver performance as well.
“He’s a very proud person and he won’t want to come and not be able to deliver some strong performances.”
Hodge, 33, played 19 games in his 16th and last season for the Hawks, averaging 23 disposals and six marks.
Although he had handed over official captaincy duties to Jarryd Roughead, he provided more direction than ever, especially across half back, marshalling the young Hawks’ defensive unit.
“What he offers is significant enough for us to actually consider it (enticing Hodge north),” Noble said.
“Even for a Dan Rich, Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko, to be able to learn off a four-time premiership player, three-time (premiership) captain is significant.”
Hodge is no stranger to Queensland, having enjoyed several pre-season camps with the Hawks on the Sunshine Coast in recent years.
If he agrees, the Lions will most likely exchange a late draft pick to Hawthorn for the champ. Trade period starts next Monday following the commencement of the free agency period on Friday.
“We’re in discussions with (Hodge’s manager) Paul (Connors),” Noble said.
“Fages has obviously touched base with Luke – that’s been well documented
“I will certainly be interested to catch up with him in the next week or two.”
Noble, meanwhile, confirmed with AFL Trade Radio that former skipper Tom Rockliff was considering an offer from a rival club, believed to be Port Adelaide or Carlton.