Leading by example and regarded as one of the AFL’s toughest players physically and mentally Luke Hodge became one of Hawthorn’s all time great captains
Luke Hodge – AFL Hall of Famer | Inspirational Leader | High-Performance Speaker
Leading by example and regarded as one of the AFL’s toughest and most mentally resilient players, Luke Hodge is one of the game’s greatest modern leaders. In recognition of his exceptional career and impact on the sport, he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
A four-time premiership player and three-time premiership captain, Hodge cemented his place in Hawthorn history by leading the club to a historic three-peat from 2013 to 2015. He was awarded the Norm Smith Medal twice (2008 and 2014), underlining his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Hodge was drafted at No. 1 in the 2001 AFL Draft from the Geelong Falcons and quickly became known for his courage, composure, and unmatched football IQ. He earned multiple All-Australian selections, represented Australia in the International Rules Series, and captained Hawthorn with distinction from 2010 until 2016. After his time at Hawthorn, he joined the Brisbane Lions, bringing veteran leadership to a young and emerging team.
Dubbed “Mister September” by legendary commentator Bruce McAvaney, Hodge is renowned for his consistent and clutch performances in finals football. He remains the last No. 1 draft pick to win a premiership, a testament to his rare combination of talent and tenacity.
Today, Luke is a sought-after keynote speaker for corporate audiences, sporting clubs, and leadership teams. His sessions focus on resilience, leading under pressure, team culture, and the mindset required to succeed at the elite level.
If you’re looking for a speaker who can inspire, connect, and lead with authenticity, Luke Hodge delivers every time.
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