

LUKE HODGE

What can you say about Luke Hodge that hasn't already been said? Inspirational leader, triple-premiership player, dual Norm Smith medallist, tough-as-nails, exceptional skills ... the list goes on. Perhaps the biggest mark of respect that can be paid to the Hawks skipper is to pose the question: Where would Hawthorn be today without him? Maybe with three flags in seven years, but there's an argument to say otherwise. Leadership aside, Hodge's strength is his versatility. If the Hawks are being beaten in midfield, the captain will move into the centre to extract a clearance and turn the tide. In his first Norm Smith Medal performance, he swept up brilliantly across half-back. He's also booted 167 goals in his 250 games, including two in last year's Grand Final. Put simply, this modern-day champion can do it all and the bigger the stage the better.

Key 2014 stats: Games 22; led Hawthorn in kicks, third-most inside 50s per game and fifth most clearances per game.



JARRYD ROUGHEAD

It's tough to think of another player quite like Jarryd Roughead. He crashes packs, has vice-like hands, tackles like a bulldozer (as Dan Hannebery can attest), kicks with surgical precision and has a cat-like quality to always land on his feet. Oh, and the 193cm, 100kg big man can also play as a midfielder. Roughead's importance to Hawthorn can't be understated, especially since Lance Franklin's departure. Last season, the Hawks spearhead was the only key forward that Champion Data rated elite for marks inside 50, ground-ball gets inside 50 and to average at least three tackles per game. He missed two games through suspension last year and the Hawks lost them both – to Port Adelaide in round 10 and Fremantle in round 21. Power forward depth is probably the only position lacking on the Hawks' list at the moment, so it was little wonder Hawthorn fans rejoiced when the big 'Rough' signed a contract extension recently.

Key 2014 stats: Games 23, led Hawthorn for goals, marks inside 50 and contested marks.