Latest news with #LukeHodge
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Luke Hodge makes staggering claim about Max Gawn after Simon Goodwin's sacking
AFL champion Luke Hodge has made the stunning claim that Simon Goodwin's sacking could open the door for Max Gawn to leave the Melbourne Demons as well. Gawn and Goodwin have a close relationship, and won the flag together in 2021. But Goodwin's time at the Demons is officially over, after the coach was sacked after nine seasons on Tuesday. Discussing the situation on SEN radio, Hawthorn legend Hodge dropped a bombshell about what it could potentially mean for Gawn's future. The skipper has played 244 games for the Dees since debuting in 2010, and never worn any other colours. But Hodge questioned what might occur should he not gel with the new coach. 'From the outside he will be a broken man because of the time and effort he has put into what has been created,' Hodge said. 'From afar their relationship looked a strong coach-captain relationship. There's going to be murmurs and tough conversations and his mindset now will be 'am I going to have a relationship with the next coach coming in, will I be able to lead as I am'? 'This is the hardest thing for an existing captain going from one coach to a new person that could turn the club upside down, and as a skipper you don't know where you stand. When did (Jack) Silvagni contemplate going to Collingwood? When the door was ajar and Collingwood said we might have a contract. 'Is this a door opening for Max Gawn? He would have had no thought of ever leaving Melbourne. They guided him as a young fella into this absolute star of our game. With a new coach coming in, is this his time to say, 'is there a premiership somewhere else for me to go and play?'. It won't be an easy decision for him, but he has to talk to the club who will want to keep him.' The former Hawks captain said Gawn won't be the only Demons player affected. 'The new coach coming in might have other thoughts or want to develop a different system," he said. 'When you lose a coach, everyone on that list will be wondering what it means for them and their career moving forward? For younger players is an opportunity for the older players you wonder if you're in their plans.' Garry Lyon's warning for next Melbourne Demons coach John Longmire and Adam Simpson are being touted as the leading candidates to take over as Demons coach, with the former Swans and Eagles coaches boasting plenty of experience. Nathan Buckley and Ken Hinkley could also be options, while there's a plethora of good assistants floating around. RELATED: Abbey Holmes responds amid backlash over decision post-birth Eagles face decision as Victorian club 'not prepared' to pay Harley Reid Speaking on SEN on Wednesday morning, Demons great Garry Lyon offered a word of warning to Longmire and the likes. 'I would say if you are serious about wanting to get back into footy then there's great opportunity at the football club," he said. 'But I'd also be very strong in my questioning of the off-field stability of the club and where that sits. President-elect Steven Smith would be the first man I'd want to hear from, and Paul Guerra. It's hard to get a handle on him because he hasn't started yet. 'They're the issues that any incoming coach would want to have a look at and then you start to put your mind to the playing list and questions about facilities. All those sorts of things come in to it. There's opportunity there for any coach.'
News.com.au
01-08-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL 2025: Son of AFL champion Luke Hodge to make VFL debut
A famous name is back in the big time. Cooper Hodge, the son of AFL champion Luke, will make his VFL debut for the Brisbane Lions this weekend. The 17-year-old is tied with the Lions through their academy, but he also has the option to select Hawthorn through the father-son pathway. He trained with Hawthorn only a few weeks ago but will make his VFL debut for the Lions on Saturday against Coburg at Barry Plant Park. Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell liked what he saw last month but was reluctant to heap pressure on the emerging talent. 'He's getting a game in the seniors at the moment, so he had to go back up to Brissy to make sure he holds his spot,' Mitchell said. 'He was with us for a few days, which was great. We've got Mark Williams' young lad out here today. 'It's great when we can see some of our father-sons come down and have a run around with the boys. 'I think the thing with a guy like Coop is he's still a young man and because of his dad's fame and accolades there's a lot more pressure on him. 'The last thing I want to do is add anything to that. He was great, he is a really energetic kid, (but) he's quiet, respectful and goes about his business. 'He wants to learn, he's going to be a nice talent.'
Perth Now
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Son of AFL great to make first appearance in VFL
Luke Hodge talks about son Cooper's day at Hawthorn training Brisbane fans will get their first proper look at Cooper Hodge with the son of AFL great Luke set to line up for the Lions in the VFL on Saturday. Cooper has just turned 17, which makes him eligible to run out in the VFL. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Luke Hodge talks about Cooper's day at Hawthorn training. He will play against Coburg at Barry Plant Park on Saturday. But the sight of the youngster in a Lions jumper will have Hawthorn fans feeling very worried. Luke played over 300 games for the Hawks, including captaining the side to their historic premiership three-peat last decade. He finished his career at the Lions and has remained in Brisbane with his family. This is where the dilemma comes in for Cooper. The rising star is facing a very big decision on his AFL future. Both Hawthorn and Brisbane have their eye on Luke Hodge's oldest son, Cooper. Credit: Getty Images Cooper, who is expected to nominate for next year's AFL draft, will be eligible to join Hawthorn as a father-son selection, but is also a member of Brisbane's academy. It means he effectively has the choice of which club he wants to join, should they both deem him good enough to make it in the AFL. Cooper recently joined Hawks training and stayed at the house of recruiter Jarryd Roughead, who is also a close mate of Hodge. 'Yeah, well, they got him down. CJ's brother was out there as well. I think Mark Williams' son was supposed to be out there as well, but he rolled his ankle,' Hodge said on The Agenda Setters. 'It was a good day once again going down there to really convince a young guy to come. They turned on the weather. It was about four degrees down there. I couldn't feel my hands. 'It was another good experience. He went out there and enjoyed the club.' Hodge was then asked, 'what percentage is he Hawthorn and what percentage is he Brisbane'. 'He's about 50-50,' he joked. 'No, listen, it's a good experience for him. He's a 16-year-old kid who gets the opportunity to go down and spend two days. 'I 100 per cent understand (the level of interest in this), but the only thing is he's a 16-year-old kid who has the flexibility or he's been lucky enough to spend two days at Hawthorn. 'But then on the flip side, with the Brisbane Lions academy, he's been lucky enough over the last two years to be able to enjoy and spend time with some of the players and get coached by Grant Brichall and Mitch Hahn and these kind of guys. 'So he's been very fortunate and he's really loving football at the moment.' The situation is similar to Sydney star Nick Blakey, who is the son of John Blakey. John played over 200 games for North Melbourne and over 130 for Fitzroy, but he was an assistant at Sydney and Nick ended up at the Sydney academy. Nick was eligible as a father-son for North and Brisbane but ultimately elected to be with Sydney. He was taken by the Swans with pick 10 in the 2018 draft, disappointing many North Melbourne fans.
7NEWS
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Cyril Rioli and Gary Ablett Jnr stepping out of retirement for Legends Game, live and free on Seven and 7plus
Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli is stepping out of retirement for a shock return to an AFL event, confirming he will play in the rebooted Legends Game. After a six-year hiatus, the iconic event is returning to the AFL calendar on Thursday, August 28, at Marvel Stadium, and will be live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport. According to Seven, the event will be 'bigger, bolder and more legendary than ever', and showcase past AFL greats and fan favourites. Some of the biggest names in the history of the game have committed to the game, with Rioli and Geelong legend Gary Ablett Jnr locked in. For Rioli to be involved will certainly bring a smile to fans of football everywhere across the country. The superstar and Norm Smith medal winner is somewhat of an AFL recluse after his bitter falling out with Hawthorn following his shock retirement in 2018. Leading Victoria as captain is 7AFL expert commentator and Rioli's former Hawks teammate, Luke Hodge. Rioli, however, will be squaring off against his old freind and former captain, as he is set to line up for the All Stars. There were heartwarming scenes earlier this year during the clash between Hawthorn and Gold Coast in Darwin, when Rioli was spotted at the Sir Doug Nicholls Round game, and Hodge was caught on camera deep in conversation with his mate. While Rioli did not attend Hawthorn's 10-year anniversary of the club's famous threepeat (in which he played in all three grand finals) in June this year, the Legends Game marks a big step in his thawing relationship with the game. Rioli will play alongside 7AFL expert commentator and St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt, who is captain of the All Stars. Hawthorn icon and Seven's House of Wellness co-host Shane Crawford is set to coach the All Stars, while AFL great and former 7NEWS Melbourne sport presenter, Tim Watson, will also be involved, taking the reins as coach of the Big V. At a media launch event held in Melbourne on Tuesday, both team captains and coaches revealed their superstar No.1 draft picks for the match – with Ablett Jnr for the Vics and Rioli for the All Stars. The much-anticipated State of Origin clash carries the legacy of football legend E.J Whitten, who passed away from prostate cancer 30 years ago. The fan-focussed feature event aims to raise much needed awareness and funds for prostate cancer through the Australian Prostate Centre, a world-class prostate cancer hub that brings together the best in care, treatments and collaborative research for Australian men and their families. Seven Network head of AFL and sport Innovation, Gary O'Keeffe, said the return of the Legends Game will be a highlight on the AFL calendar, and offers ample entertainment for viewers. 'We are thrilled to see this iconic event return and for footy fans to be able to watch all the action live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport,' he said. 'To see a host of popular personalities, and AFL legends including our own Luke Hodge and Nick Riewoldt come out of retirement for such a great cause is important and will make for exciting viewing.' Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Aussie men, with one in five estimated to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Funds raised through match will help support patient care and vital research collaborations at the Australian Prostate Centre. SEN chief executive officer, Craig Hutchison, said his organisation was proud to play a part in supporting such an important cause and iconic match. 'We're incredibly proud to partner with the Australian Prostate Centre to bring back one of the most cherished nights on the footy calendar,' Hutchison said. 'With the support of the AFL, the Seven Network and our production team at Rainmaker, we're set to deliver a spectacular event that entertains and inspires. 'And there's some amazing further player announcements to come in coming weeks,' he said.
The Australian
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
AFL 2025: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell on Cooper Hodge
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell doesn't want to add to any pressure already facing former teammate Luke Hodge's teenage son Cooper but labelled him a 'nice talent' after seeing him train at Waverley earlier this week. Cooper Hodge, 16, spent time at the club his famous father led to three premierships before heading back to Brisbane, where he lives, having caught the eyes of plenty with a big decision looming. The teenager is an obvious father-son candidate for Hawthorn, but also is in the Brisbane academy and should he decided to enter next year's draft would have to decide which club to align himself to. Mitchell liked what he saw from Cooper, who is playing senior football in Queensland this weekend, buit refrained from entering any discussion about a possible AFL future. 'He's getting a game in the seniors at the moment, so he had to go back up to Brissy to make sure he holds his spot, they've got training tonight,' he said. 'He was with us for a few days, which was great. We've got Mark Williams' young lad out here today. Cooper Hodge plays for the Brisbane Lions Academy during the AFL National Championships. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) 'It's great when we can see some of our father sons come down and have a run around with the boys. 'I think the thing with a guy like Coop is he's still a young man and because of his dad's fame and accolades there's a lot more pressure on him. 'The last thing I want to do is add anything to that. He was great, he is a really energetic kid, (but) he's quiet, respectful and goes about his business. 'He wants to learn, he's going to be a nice talent.' Mitchell's focus however is on the present with their campaign to finish in the top-four facing a stern test against Fremantle on Saturday in Perth. The Hawks are having to plough on without Josh Weddle who was storming away to a top finish in the Hawks' best and fairest count before going down with a stress fracture in his back. His timeline on Hawthorn's injury list remains 'to be confirmed' and he could very well miss the remainder of the 2025 season. But Mitchell says the improved and versatile Weddle is using the stint on the sidelines as a chance to advance his game and is confident he will return a better player as a result. 'At the four-week mark he'll get a scan and then you'll either rule him out for the season or say, 'We're a chance here, let's see what we can do',' he said. Hawthorn star Josh Weddle could come back from injury a better player, according to coach Sam Mitchell. Picture:'It's very easy to focus on who's not there … if you're going to lose Josh Weddle to bring in James Sicily, we'll take that and not worry too much about it. 'Any good learning for Wedds, he sat in the coaches' box and he's looking at vision – he'll be a better player when he comes back. 'Hopefully, it's this year, if not, when he comes back he'll have a greater game understanding than when he left.' Tyler Lewis Sports reporter Tyler Lewis is a sports reporter based in Melbourne's south east. @tmlew_ Tyler Lewis
