On Monday, Cooper Hodge, the son of Hawthorn premiership captain Luke, nominated the Hawks as his preferred destination ahead of this year’s draft.

Cooper also had the option to nominate the Lions, due to being a member of the Brisbane Academy since 15 years of age.

Speaking on SEN’s Locked In, Luke Hodge reflected on his son’s decision to nominate Hawthorn as his preferred destination.

“It was pleasing for a dad,” started the four-time premiership player.

“I didn't give too much input. A lot of the stuff you look for as a parent is, ‘Is it a stable club? Do they worry about development?’, all that kind of stuff.

“I was happy with both (clubs). The Brisbane Lions have been outstanding for his development since he joined them at 15 years of age, and when he came down to Hawthorn, they were so good.

“I guess the underlying factor for him was that he fell in love with football because of Hawthorn. He just said if he passed up this opportunity, he'd kick himself.

“As far as a dad, like, you're pretty proud. You sort of sit back and go, how good's that?”

So, what type of player is Cooper Hodge?

The draft prospect’s old man admitted that he is completely unlike how he used to play, highlighting his son’s speed and defensive pressure.

“He's totally opposite to what I was,” admitted the 346-game player.

“He's got speed, he chases, he tackles - everything that I didn't do.

“He's changed around from an inside mid, he's played high half-forward, and then he's also had a go across half-back.

“He's still got a lot of development to understand the game, understand trends and reading the play - that kind of stuff will come in time.

“But his natural strength is his competitiveness. He's physical, he's quick, he's athletic.”

Hodge Jnr played for the Lions at Talent League and VFL level while also featuring for the Allies in the National Championships across the 2026 campaign.

The 2026 National Draft will be held across two nights on Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20.