AFL Draft prospect Cooper Hodge has nominated Hawthorn over Brisbane as a father-son selection.
Hodge had strong links to both camps, with his father, Luke, playing 305 games for the Hawks, which included captaining the club to multiple premierships.
The senior Hodge did head to the Lions in the twilight of his career, and was based in Queensland, which helped Cooper's development as he joined the club's academy program, making him eligible for drafting.
Cooper played eight games for the Lions in the VFL, and featured for the Allies in the Under 18 National Championships.
Former Brisbane star Jason Akermanis has lauded Hodge, whom he coached this year at the Lions Academy.
“He's got that ruthless ferocity and attack on the ball. He's got that in spades," Akermanis told Zero Hanger.
"He will improve his kicking, but his handball and game sense and everything else is excellent.
"His athleticism is really strong, and he can run really well, so he's got what's needed for repeat efforts and to go through different gears.
"He's super brave. Those two (Luke and Cooper) are crazy; they call it white line fever, but they just don't seem to think about consequences – they go at every ball so hard.
"They're so tough, so they're the sort of players you want on your team."
Akermanis said he has developed into a midfielder, but has the capacity to play across the halfback as a damaging rebounder, while being chucked up forward wouldn't be a shock to see.
The Lions superstar also noticed similar traits in Cooper to his father, which will hold him in good stead heading towards the AFL.
"He was a good leader because he led by example and by voice. He's still developing and learning so being a runner I would deliver messages but the best thing about him was that he was coachable and would listen," Akermanis said.
"He's not a finished work of art, but he's developing and growing well.
"He's one of the easy ones to work with. He would talk well for his age and communicate well in meetings. He asks sensible questions and has good ideas which he is happy to share, always looking at ways to get better. He's very professional and ready to go."
