Former Hawthorn & Brisbane AFL champ Luke Hodge will join Seven’s commentary team from 2020.

Hodge retired from AFL at the end of the 2019 season, following 346 games including four premierships and two Norm Smith Medals.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Seven Network. I’ve been lucky enough to do a lot of work with Seven over the years, and commentary was something I wanted to do when I finished as a player. I’ve always wanted to stay in football, so to be able to commentate and stay in the game is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said.

Newly-appointed Head of Network Sport Lewis Martin said: “Luke’s playing record speaks for itself, while even opposition fans couldn’t help but love the way he played – with unblinking courage, sublime skill and rare game sense. But it’s his unrivalled understanding of modern football that’s now most exciting.

“After he wore a Channel 7 mic against Adelaide in round 14, 2017, Bruce McAvaney said: ‘For those young guys, it’s like being in a finishing school. It’s like the professor standing alongside them.’ Now it will be footy fans who reap the benefits of ‘Hodgey’s vast insights. He is one of the great modern leaders of Australian sport. We can’t wait for him to start.”

Hodge will speak with Ricky Ponting, during Seven’s coverage of the first Test on Saturday at the Gabba.

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