Latest news with #LukeHodge
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
News.com.au
10-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL 2025: Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell on Josh Weddle and Cooper Hodge
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says the recent injury setback to young star Josh Weddle has allowed the dashing defender to sharpen his game. Weddle 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. '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.' The Hawks have another young star in their sights, with father-son prospect Cooper Hodge training at Waverley earlier this week. Hodge is the son of AFL great and club champion Luke Hodge, who won four premierships in the brown and gold. The son of a gun will have to choose between his eligibility as a Hawk through the father-son ruling and Brisbane as an Academy product. Mitchell says the son of his former premiership teammate looks a 'nice talent', but he will resist heaping pressure on the teenager. '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. '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.'
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former teammate's gesture comes to light amid family dilemma for Luke Hodge
Luke Hodge has revealed son Cooper stayed at the home of former Hawthorn teammate Jarryd Roughead when he was invited to train with the club this week. Hodge is a Hawthorn legend, playing 305 games for the Hawks and winning four premierships with the club he captained. He now lives in Brisbane with his family after finishing his career with two years at the Lions. His 16-year-old son Cooper is part of the Brisbane Lions academy, but under AFL rules he can join the Hawks under the father-son rule. The Lions would get first dibs if he nominates as a Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect, but he also has the option of choosing the Hawks. It means he'll face a tricky decision between Brisbane and Hawthorn if he nominates for next year's draft like expected. This week he was invited to join Hawthorn training at the club's Waverley Park headquarters, with Channel 7 cameras capturing the teenager having a kick and getting some tips from players. Speaking on 'The Agenda Setters' on Channel 7 on Tuesday night, Hodge revealed his former teammate Roughead - now the list manager at Hawthorn - took Cooper into his home for the week. The Hodge family is based in Brisbane, while Luke's brother lives down in Geelong - a 90-minute drive from Waverley Park. 'It's a former teammate and a mate who's known Coop his whole life,' Luke said. 'He stayed at his house, but that's not surprising considering we don't have any family in Melbourne. My brother's down in Geelong, so the easiest thing was just to get him to stay at Roughy's.' Hodge said of Cooper's experience: '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.' When pressed by Kane Cornes as to whether Cooper is leaning towards Hawthorn or Brisbane, Luke played a straight bat. 'He's about 50-50,' Hodge said. '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, and 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.' "It was a good day ... he (Cooper) went out there and enjoyed the club."Spotted at Hawthorn training: Cooper Hodge 👀 — 7AFL (@7AFL) July 8, 2025 RELATED: AFL world reacts as axing sparks sad 27-year first for Cornes family Family of AFL and Sydney Swans legend set to sell Brownlow Medal Speaking back in May, Hodge revealed both Hawthorn and Brisbane have told him they simply want the best for Cooper and don't mind which way he decides. "We've had the same from both Brisbane and Hawthorn, that they just want to see him develop and achieve his goal," Hodge said. 'There's no way he would have developed as he has in the last 12 months if it wasn't for the Lions academy. But then on the flip side, Hawthorn have also been great. They've had him down to the club a number of times.'
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Image shows battle for AFL legend's son has taken a twist
Hawthorn champ Luke Hodge has been put on the spot as images showed a big twist in the battle for his son Cooper. The former Hawks captain was on Tuesday night asked to explain vision of his 16-year-old son training with Hawthorn players at the club's Waverley Park headquarters. It was the second day Cooper had spent on the field with the club this week. There has been plenty of intrigue surrounding the behind-the-scenes tug of war for the talented teenager with both the Brisbane Lions and Hawthorn having priority access to select him in the 2026 AFL Draft. Veteran football reporter Caroline Wilson in May said the Hawks would be devastated if they missed out on the Year 11 student when he is eventually able to nominate for the draft. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Cooper is able to nominate as a potential father-son selection because of is dad's distinguished career in the gold and brown. He also has links with the Brisbane Lions as a product of the Queensland club's junior academy. The family also lives in Brisbane. Hodge finished his career with two final seasons at the Lions before his retirement in 2019. Hodge played his cards close to his chest on Tuesday night when telling Channel 7's Agenda Setters it was '50-50' between the two clubs. '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 of his son spending time inside Hawthorn's headquarters. '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.' It was explained by Channel 7 that Cooper also stayed with his dad's former teammate Jarryd Roughead during his Melbourne visit. Roughead has transitioned to a recruitment role with the Hawks and would be a key asset in getting Cooper to choose the Victorian club. 'It's a former teammate and a mate who's known Coop his whole life,' Luke said. 'He stayed at his house, but that's not surprising considering we don't have any family in Melbourne. My brother's down in Geelong, so the easiest thing was just to get him to stay at Roughy's.' He went on to say: '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.' Cooper's situation is similar to Sydney's Nick Blakey, who was eligible to head to North Melbourne because of his dad John's career with the blue and white. Blakey was also an assistant coach with the Swans at the time. It has been a big year for Luke Hodge. He was in June inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his four premierships and two Norm Smith Medals with the Hawks. Hodge captained Hawthorn to the 2008 premiership and was a key member of the club's three-peat of premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
