Luke Hodge: Deck of Dream Team 2011

Name: Luke Hodge
Club: Hawthorn
Position: Midfield
Bye Rounds: 6(MB) & 17
2010 Average: 103
2010 Games Played: 22
Predicted Average: 108

Why should I pick him? Not only is Luke Hodge an awesome bloke, more importantly he is a bloody awesome Dream Teamer. Last year Hodgey was one of the most selected players, mainly due to his bargain price and duel position availability. So far this year he seem to be the forgotten man as it look as though he will only be named as a midfielder and is priced at an average of 103. This builds the foundation for a potential “unique pick” of an absolute gun, who seems to put a knee complaint from last year behind him and is this year stepping up to be the skipper. Now when you play with as mush heart as Hodgey does already, imagine what he will be like when a captain badge is sewn over his ticker. Hodge reached the all important 100 mark on 13 occasions last year and look for that to improve this year as he gets increased time in the midfield, and floats to half back and forward as he sees fit.

Why shouldn’t I pick him? Hodgey has not played a full season of DT I mean footy since 2007, so his “hard nut” ways tend to cost him a couple of weeks to recover, however last year he only missed one. The only real reason he wouldn’t be considered is if he doesn’t fit into a particular structure coaches have in mind, especially being priced in that awkward bracket.

Deck of DT Rating.King- If you select Luke Hodge, you know what you are going to get. I personally think he is in line for his best DT season to date and think the naming of him Hawks captain, could lead to DT coaches having no choice but to consider handing him DT captaincy on the odd week. Even more so than usual (if possible) he is going to work his guts off this year, leading by example, gathering heaps of DT point and trying to get the Hawks back to the GF.