Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon believes Brisbane Lions recruit Luke Hodge must earn the respect of his new teammates, despite his storied profile.
The four-time premiership player at Hawthorn has made the shock decision to postpone his retirement and continue playing with the Lions for a further two years. Even though he has numerous credentials, Lyon is of the notion that Hodge needs to put in the hard yards, if he wants to become a commander of the young Brisbane outfit.
“His preseason, while we think he is a part coach, he is going to have to earn that first hand respect by blood, sweat and tears…by doing the things that made him a legend at Hawthorn,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“The young generation, which is essentially what Brisbane are, they will know the reputation, but Luke Hodge is going to have to establish his own legend at Brisbane in some way. The way to do that, which is going to be the toughest thing for him, is on the track.
“He has more credits in the bank than most, so for Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko, what Hodgey says, Hodgey goes. Younger players will say, yeah I’m with you, but I want to see something.”
Part of Hodge’s influence was displayed on Wednesday, when he was on the front and back covers of the Herald Sun in a Lions jumper, showcasing their new co-major sponsor, Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
The dual Demons best-and-fairest winner says the publicity Brisbane will receive is a key element of Hodge’s inclusion.
“I don’t think the on-field play is as big as a percentage as what the whole package is, in terms of off-field, coaching, directional stuff, training and attitude,” Lyon said.
“It’ll probably be about the mind and attitude more than anything else.”