Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge announces he will retire

Four-time Hawthorn premiership player Luke Hodge has announced he will retire from football at the end of the 2017 AFL season, despite the fact that his body and mind still feel "really good".

September 2014. Hawthorn bring the premiership cup home to Glenferrie Oval. Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge with the 2014 and 2013 cups. Photo: Joe Armao
Luke Hodge in 2001 as a nominee for the AFL draft.
Hodge is taken by Hawthorn at No.1. in 2001 draft.
2003: Hodge settled in at Hawthorn but was slower to develop than 2001 No.3 pick Chris Judd, leading to criticism. Photo: Getty Images
Hodge's devastating left foot begins to make an impact for his team. August 2003, Hawthorn v Richmond at MCG. Photo: Vince Caligiuri
Hodge shines in the light as he prepares for a comeback to the senior team. Photo: Ray Kennedy.
2002, Round 22: Hodge celebrates a goal against Geelong. The rivalry between the Hawks and the Cats would become one of the greatest of the modern era. Photo: Ray Kennedy
February 2005, Hawthorn v St Kilda at the Telstra Dome: Tough competitors Aaron Hamill and Luke Hodge share a smile after crashing into each other. Photo: Vince Caligiuri
August 2007: Luke Hodge wins the hard ball against Essendon. Photo: John Donegan
September 2007. First elimination final between Hawthorn and Adelaide at Telstra Dome. Luke Hodge grimaces as medical staff test his knee. Photo: John Donegan
September 2008 - Second preliminary final between Hawthorn and St Kilda at the MCG. Luke Hodge takes a strong mark in his role as 'The General' of the Hawks backline. Photo: Paul Rovere
AFL grand final 2008, Geelong v Hawthorn at the MCG. Luke Hodge enjoys his Norm Smith and premiership medals. The 2008 flag came much earlier than anyone at the Hawks had anticipated. Photo: John Donegan
September 2008. Hodge kisses his Norm Smith and premiership medals. Photo: Vince Caligiuri
September 2010. Docker Adam McPhee and Hawk Luke Hodge wrestle before the first bounce of the second elimination final at Subiaco Oval. Photo: Getty Images
September 2013. Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge and ruck David Hale at the final siren of the premiership win against the Fremantle Dockers. Photo: Mal Fairclough
AFL grand final 2013. MCG. Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge, Hawks legend John Kennedy and coach Alastair Clarkson celebrate. Photo: Sebastian Costanzo
AFL grand final 2013. Hawthorn v Fremantle at the MCG. Hawthorn celebrates. Photo: Pat Scala
September 2013. Luke Hodge holds the premiership cup aloft after beating the Fremantle Dockers. Photo: Getty Images
June 2014. Hawthorn v Collingwood at the MCG. Luke Hodge gives Jamie Elliott the death stare. Photo: Pat Scala
2014. No love lost: Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge plants a kiss on the cheek of recently departed Hawk Lance Franklin in a game after his move to the Sydney Swans.
September 2014. Hawks players celebrate with the premiership cup after winning the 2014 AFL grand final against the Sydney Swans. Photo: Getty Images
September 2014. Luke Hodge holds the 2014 Premiership Cup aloft shortly after winning against the Sydney Swans. Photo: Getty Images
September 2014. Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge and coach Alastair Clarkson bring the 2014 and 2013 cups home to Glenferrie Oval. Photo: Joe Armao
May 2015. Players wrestle after a high hit by Hawk Luke Hodge on Kangaroo Andrew Swallow at Etihad Stadium. Photo: Getty Images
October 2015. The Hawks celebrate winning the 2015 AFL grand final against the West Coast Eagles. Photo: Getty Images
October 2015. Hodge celebrates with fans after winning the grand final against West Coast. Photo: Getty Images
October 2015. Coach Alastair Clarkson and captain Luke Hodge pose with the 2013, 2014 and 2015 "Three-peat" premiership trophies during at the Hawks post-grand final fan day at Glenferrie Oval. Photo: Getty Images
September 2016. Second Qualifying Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks. Hardmen and long-time foes Joel Selwood of the Cats and Luke Hodge of the Hawks wrestle. Photo: Getty Images
July 10, 2017. Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge announces his retirement.

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