LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Luke Hodge of the Hawks kicks a goal during the round 15 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Gold Coast Suns at Aurora Stadium on June 28, 2014 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Four-time Hawthorn premiership player Luke Hodge could be set for a shock return to the AFL less than two months after announcing his retirement.
SEN reporter Sam McClure told SEN Breakfast Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans has made contact with Hodge in a bid to get the retiring Hawk over to the Suns for one final season.
In a deal similar to that of Hodge's former teammate Sam Mitchell, the defender would play one season for the Suns, before moving into a coaching role on the Gold Coast.
“It’s my understanding Mark Evans has made personal contact with Luke Hodge over a position, which may involve him coming out of retirement and playing for at least a season,” McClure told SEN Breakfast on Monday morning.
“He may or may not take up the offer, but it’s believed he is seriously considering it. He thought his days were over and he’s reconsidering what to do.
“People will deny this and I know Hodgey is finishing a book over the next week, he’s due to start in the media next season.
“He was also asked to be a part of the coaching selection panel, but the five man panel was confirmed over the weekend.”
After a 305-game career, Hodge was setting himself up for a move into the media, but Evans' call may give him something to consider.
Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon said Hodge would be perfect for the struggling Suns, and would significantly improve the culture.
“All I know is that club appears to me to be rudderless, in terms of strong on-field discipline, not off-field, (but) on-field,” Lyon said.
“They’ve got prodigiously talented kids who I’m told have yet to embrace the necessary professionalism required at this level, and whilst the Gold Coast is a nice place to be it doesn’t always engender the atmosphere that is need at this level.
“I don’t think it would matter (if he was made captain), I’m happy to have Steven May and Tom Lynch remain captain, but I’d make him assistant coach.
“Mark Evans would know intimately what Luke Hodge brings to a football club. On and off the field, so it absolutely ticks boxes for me. You would have a better culture there within two months."