Overview

• Cooper Hodge spent two days training with Hawthorn players at Waverley Park, marking his first formal session under the father-son rule.
• Under AFL rules he qualifies for Hawthorn through his father Luke’s premiership legacy while also remaining tied to the Brisbane Lions academy.
• Luke Hodge has described his son’s club loyalty as roughly 50-50 as both sides step up their recruitment efforts.
• During his Melbourne visit Cooper stayed with former Hawk Jarryd Roughead but his father insists no special treatment was given.
• The 16-year-old is expected to nominate for the 2026 national draft but has yet to declare which club he will join.