HAWTHORN Football Club legend Luke Hodge says he is excited to talk all things local football at the Torquay Tigers’ Before The Game event on June 24.
Hodge said he would touch on several topics, ranging from his early football days at Colac Imperials Football Club to his many accomplishments as an AFL star.
“I’m really excited to be heading down to Torquay,” Mr Hodge said.
“We’ll cover a whole range of things during my career, as well as the state of the game today, and if there’s any topics that we don’t get to talk about, we’ll have a Q&A style portion of the event where I will answer questions.”
Hodge is no stranger to Torquay, growing up in Colac and visiting family members based near Torquay.
“I’ve been to Torquay a number of times, it’s a wonderful spot and I did a few running sessions in Anglesea back in 2004 before Alistair Clarkson got to the Hawks,” he said.
“I’ve never played in Torquay as a junior unfortunately, but my family does have some friends down that way and my mum is Indented Head, my wife’s family is in Grovedale and my sister is in Colac.”
Torquay Football Club vice president Tim Carson said the club was stoked to host the two-time Norm Smith medallist and four-time premiership player.
“We’re really excited to have Luke on board this year,” Mr Carson said.
“‘Hodgey’ is just one of those blokes who everyone can relate to, everyone loves him, he was tough on the footy field, he’s no fanfare and I grew up playing footy with him in Colac.
“From the time he went to Hawthorn, to what he is today, he’s exactly the same bloke. He’s a really down to earth person and I’m really happy to have him down next weekend.”
Speakers in previous years at Before The Game include Alistair Clarkson, Sam Mitchell, Wayne Carey, Barry Hall, Warwick Capper and Mick Malthouse.
To secure a ticket, head to torquaytigers.com/news/before-the-game-luke-hodge