Cooper Hodge Chooses Hawthorn as AFL Draft Prospect

Cooper Hodge, a prospect for the AFL Draft, has decided to nominate Hawthorn as his club of choice, opting for them over Brisbane.

Hodge has familial connections to both teams, with his father, Luke Hodge, having played 305 games for Hawthorn and captaining the team to several premierships. Although Luke Hodge spent the latter part of his career with Brisbane, Cooper's involvement in the Lions' academy program has made him eligible for drafting.

Cooper Hodge has played eight games for the Lions in the VFL and participated in the Under 18 National Championships with the Allies. Former Brisbane player Jason Akermanis praised Hodge's skills, noting his strong athleticism and ability to play various positions, including midfielder and halfback. Akermanis highlighted Hodge's coachability and professionalism, indicating that he is still developing but shows great potential for the future.