Lions can roar again, says Hodge
AFL: The “sky is the limit” for the Brisbane Lions this season says 324-game AFL star Luke Hodge.
The four-time premiership winner and “The General” of Hawthorn’s defence in the club’s recent era of success, knows a talented list when he sees one.
Now as the 34-year-old prepares for his second campaign in Queensland, Hodge believes the Lions have “a good, young, emerging list” capable of matching it with the best.
Citing names such as Harris Andrews, Cam Rayner, Alex Witherden, Zac Bailey, Jarrod Berry and Hugh McCluggage, Hodge said the Lions have moved beyond the years when Brisbane was seen as a proving ground for players to be picked clean by Melbourne clubs.
“There’s a list of about 15-20 who have stuck together and committed to the club, and that’s the best thing,” he said.
“We were in enough games last year to put us in contention. We were just a little bit raw and a little immature. I think we lost five (games) under a goal, and seven under two goals. If we do the right things at the pressure stages of a game, then those wins will get us up near 12-13.
“We only won five games (in 2018), but we were in a lot of them. We’ve got a list that over the next few years is going to take us somewhere.”
As for his decision to go around for an 18th AFL season, Hodge said it was made easier by being in Queensland.
“The biggest thing for us was making sure the family settles in,” he said. “My wife loves it up here, the three kids love their schools – they love the fact they can play outside for 12 months of the year, rather than in Melbourne where for four months you’re stuck inside.”