Luke Hodge encapsulates the modern-day finals hero. He is tough, fearless, his presence is always felt, his skills have complemented the Hawks' game plan and his ability to marshall his teammates as an extension of coach Alastair Clarkson has ensured the off-field message is carried out in the heat of battle.
Taken as the No.1 pick – a priority selection – in the 2001 draft, the kid from the Victorian country town of Colac can boast longevity as another trait, for the two men taken after him also as priority selections, Luke Ball and Chris Judd, have retired in recent years.
During a tough rebuild at Hawthorn, Hodge had to wait until 2007 to feature in his first final but, with 25 disposals in an elimination-final win over Adelaide, it quickly became apparent he enjoyed the spotlight. And that would burn even brighter a year later when the Hawks unexpectedly toppled Geelong on that final Saturday in September, with Hodge collecting 26 disposals, nine marks, five tackles, seven rebound 50s, one goal and the Norm Smith medal as the general across half-back.
Skipper Sam Mitchell would hold aloft the premiership cup but it was already clear Hodge was the spiritual leader. There would be finals disappointment for the Hawks over the next two years, and Hodge was installed as captain come 2011. Soon, there would be four-straight grand finals, including three flags – with Hodge claiming his second Norm Smith in 2014, against the Swans. He was also listed among the best in the premierships of 2013 and 2015.
In 23 finals, he has averaged a healthy 21.5 disposals, on par with his career average. He needs 14 matches in 2017 to become only the eighth Hawk to celebrate the 300-game milestone.
Readers also chose their greatest finals heroes. Find out how they voted below.
THE STORY SO FAR
The best finals performers as judged by The Age Real Footy experts
4. Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)
5. Gary Ayres (Hawthorn)
6. Darren Jarman (Hawthorn/Adelaide)
7. Gary Ablett Snr (Geelong)
8. Dermott Brereton (Hawthorn)
9. Alex Jesaulenko (Carlton)
10. Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn)
11. Wayne Carey (North Melbourne)
12. Chris Judd (West Coast/Carlton)
13. Ted Hopkins (Carlton)
14. Leon Baker (Essendon)
15. Wayne Schimmelbusch (North Melbourne)
16. Barry Breen (St Kilda)
17. James Hird (Essendon)
18. Leo Barry (Sydney)
19. Michael Voss (Brisbane)
20. Wayne Harmes (Carlton)
