Hawthorn's young talent shows plenty of promise

Written by: John McGrath

West Australian

9 March 2003

Young Hawthorn star Luke Hodge looks like carrying on from his impressive debut year in 2002.

Hodge, 18, booted three goals as the Hawks beat West Coast by 55 points in a practice match at Subiaco Oval yesterday.

Playing across half-forward he proved too elusive for, first, Darren Glass and then Kasey Green before going off for a rest midway through the second quarter.

After half-time he had a third opponent, former Hawk Michael Collica.

The Hawks' gambled heavily to get Hodge in the 2001 national draft. They traded proven player Trent Croad to Fremantle in exchange for the Dockers' No. 1 draft pick, which was used to claim Hodge.

The youngster from Colac overcame injury to play 15 impressive games last season. He averaged 18 disposals in 11 matches and finished sixth in the club best and fairest.

Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab said the Hawks expected Hodge to be a good player for the club.

"He is doing the right things in the very early stages of what should be a promising career," Schwab said.

The Hawks, who won 14.5 (89) to 5.4 (34), also appear to have a promising ruckman in David Loats, 22. Loats, who made his AFL debut last year and played only three senior games, rucked for the entire first half against Eagles big men Dean Cox and Mark Seaby.

Former South Fremantle player Mark Williams, 19, continued his pre-season form for the Hawks with a lively display in a forward pocket. He booted two goals and gave off another two in the last quarter.

"He has put in a lot of work and so has the footy club with him," Schwab said. "I'd just like to think now that he is going to have a really good chance to have an AFL career. He just needs to believe in himself and needs to know he can perform at this level ..."

Both teams were well below top strength but the Hawks didn't give the Eagles a sniff in the first half.

Schwab's team had seven goals on the board before West Coast opened its account, Rowan Jones converting on the edge of the goal square 14 minutes into the second quarter.

Printable version