Cooper Hodge chooses Hawthorn in father-son bid for 2026 draft
The 18-year-old picked Hawthorn under father-son rules over Brisbane, where he trained as an Academy product.
Cooper Hodge spent six months torn between two clubs before committing to his gut. Luke Hodge, his dad, played 305 games for Hawthorn and won three premierships.
That family bond pulled harder than the Lions' years of development. "The Lions have done so much for me," Cooper told AFL.com.au, "but I just had to go back to that."
He was there in 2014 when his father won his second Norm Smith Medal, running through the banner for Luke's 250th game. That memory stuck.
Hawthorn holds pick No. 94 in the November draft and are expected to use it on Hodge, though they cannot confirm it yet. He says he models his game on Brisbane star Josh Dunkley and knows his name counts for nothing at the next level.
- 305 games
- Luke Hodge games for Hawthorn
- 3, including 2014
- Luke Hodge premierships
- 2014 Grand Final
- Luke's 250th game year
- No. 94
- Hawthorn draft pick expected
Why it mattersFather-son selections shape club lists; a Hodge at Hawthorn after decades away signals the Hawks' strategic faith in legacy and continuity.
AustraliaAustralians follow the AFL draft closely; this is the kind of family story that defines the competition every November.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
