Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann has defended the club’s decision to recruit veteran Luke Hodge, saying he has been an invaluable addition to the squad.
Former St Kilda captain Danny Frawley said Hodge should “sit in the grandstand” more often after his poor performance against Richmond last weekend, but Swann thinks that isn’t the case.
“On the weekend we had a bad game, but I think the three weeks before that, Luke has been one of our better players,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“We thought it was a bit premature to say he should retire after one game because on the body of work he has put forward over the last month, he has more than held his own.
“It’s the stuff he does at training, with the leadership group, everything else around the club both on and off field – you can’t buy that.
“He adds a whole lot more than just being a player.
“We have no regrets and we don’t think he should sit in the grandstand.”
Swann also mentioned a stat that indicates Brisbane has conceded 60 goals this season, and Hodge’s direct opponent has kicked just three.
The Lions will look to notch their first victory of 2018 this Sunday against Gold Coast, and you can listen to the game live on 1116 SEN from 3:00pm with Peter Donegan, Benny Jones and Brent Staker.
Listen to Greg Swann’s chat with Jack Heverin, Nick Dal Santo and Danny Frawley on SEN Breakfast in the player below