AFL

Scott Spits

Began his full-time career at The Age as an online sports reporter in 1999 before joining Sportal as the Deputy Editor of the AFL-Telstra online network in 2002. Rejoined the online desk at The Age in 2006 and was online sports editor between 2006 and 2016. Has covered two Olympics (Sydney 2000 and London 2012), numerous Australian Open tennis tournaments and several AFL grand finals. Reads the back page first. Hack golfer. Wannabe tennis star.

Hawthorn fans have now seen the back of Sam Mitchell in the No.5 jumper.

High five for teen as Hawks hand out big numbers

Who will be wearing Hawthorn's famous No.5 next season? It's a number close to the hearts of fans after Mitchell donned it for 13 seasons and the much-loved Peter Crimmins wore it in 176 games. Keen observers might also be aware it was even worn by Pat Cash senior in the 1950s.

Luke Hodge was injured in the Hawks' Easter Monday loss to the Cats.

Round five shapes as Hodge's return

Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge is likely to return to the field in round five, putting and end to speculation that he was set for an earlier than expected comeback from a fractured arm this weekend.