Terry Wallace says Luke Hodge’s defection to Brisbane has unearthed a free agency loophole from which the Lions have emerged a huge winner.
After 16 years and 305 games at Hawthorn, including four premierships, Hodge shocked the football world by announcing his desire to join Brisbane a month after a teary farewell in Round 23 at Etihad Stadium.
By announcing his retirement in the lead up to Round 17 – and subsequently signing his retirement paperwork – the former Hawthorn captain was immediately taken off the free agent list.
His looming move to Brisbane will now not impact the Lions’ compensation draft selection – expected to be pick 19 – for losing former captain Tom Rockliff to Port Adelaide.
Clubs losing players to free agency are eligible for draft selection compensation unless they acquire free agents of similar status.
Brisbane can potentially utilise its compensation selection – a selection it would never have received had Hodge joined as a free agent - to land Adelaide small forward Charlie Cameron.
“It was a loophole in the system and Lions have orchestrated it beautifully,” Wallace told SEN’s The Run Home.
“They’ve seen a loophole and exploited it.”
Industry sources are skeptical about collusion between the Lions and Hawks given the close relationship between coaches Alastair Clarkson and Chris Fagan.
“Was it coincidence or was it planned?” Wallace asked.
“We will never know when it all happened. But by manipulation, maybe some good luck and some maneuvering the deal has been done to get Hodge to Brisbane, and its also gets pick 19.”
Ironically, Rockliff’s destination club Port Adelaide had its compensation pick stripped after losing Jackson Trengove to the Western Bulldogs.
“Had Trengove decided to retire, then join the Dogs, the Power would have got pick 30,” Wallace said.
Last year Brisbane received an end-of-first-round priority pick from the AFL which it used to secure emerging half-back Alex Witherden
Hodge turns 34 next year but is said have been offered a substantial deal to join the Lions in 2018.