Cooper’s call: Son-of-a-gun Hodge makes massive decision

Cooper Hodge has nominated Hawthorn as his club of choice ahead of the 2026 AFL Draft.

The son of Hawks champion Luke has chosen the brown and gold who will have first rights on draft night.

Cooper is in the Brisbane Lions Academy so also had the option of nominating the back-to-back reigning premiers.

A statement from the Hawks read: "Cooper Hodge, the son of former Hawks premiership captain Luke, has nominated Hawthorn as his preferred destination ahead of this year’s Telstra AFL Draft.

"The 18-year-old is eligible to join Hawthorn as a father-son selection following Luke’s 305-game career with the brown and gold.

"Hodge is no stranger to the Hawks, having spent the past two pre-seasons at Waverley Park and the Kennedy Community Centre training with the AFL side as part of the club's father-son program."

Hodge has played for the Lions in both the VFL and the Talent League this year as well as the Allies in the National Championships.

He moved to Brisbane with his family in 2018 when his dad joined the Lions after his successful career with Hawthorn where he won four premierships.