Torquay turns out for Hodge visit

TORQUAY Football Club president Cameron Healy hailed last Saturday’s Before The Game event featuring Luke Hodge as a success.

Mr Healy said more than 230 people attended the club’s function to hear the Hawthorn Football Club legend and four-time premiership player touch on a range of topics ranging from his junior football days in Colac to his current broadcasting career post-football.

“It was an amazing event,” Mr Healy said.

“It’s always such a well-supported event by the Torquay community and for Luke to volunteer his time, just shows what an amazing legend of AFL football he is and how in-touch he is knowing the effect grassroots football has on the sport.”

Torquay Football Club vice-president Tim Carson interviewed Hodge for over an hour during the event in the club’s social room.

The two conversed over Hodge’s four premierships, his move to Queensland, future coaching aspirations, and the ongoing Hawthorn Football Club racism saga.

Hodge then invited the crowd to ask questions to conclude the interview.

While Mr Healy has no intention of taking on the duties of interviewer, the first-year president credited the club’s volunteers for their efforts on the day.

“Tim’s work was phenomenal and to all the volunteers that helped make an event of that size run seamlessly, it was an extraordinary effort,” Mr Healy said.

“It was a fantastic day all round, we had two great games against Anglesea, who we have a great relationship with, it was just a great day for local football.”

Mr Healy confirmed that next year’s Before The Game function will not involve a Hawthorn player, after Hodge’s premiership teammate Sam Mitchell and coach Alistair Clarkson were the previous two guests.