Luke Hodge to miss Round 1 clash with Essendon after missing Hawthorn training

Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge won’t play Round 1 after he was handed a one-game ban by the club for missing training.

Hodge failed to ‘adequately inform’ the Hawks of his absence.

‘Luke understands that he did not meet the standards of Hawthorn on this occasion,’ the club said in a statement.

‘Unfortunately, there was a breakdown of communication on Luke’s behalf that led to a misunderstanding of his training expectations. 

‘The sanction is reflective of the standards and values of our club of which Luke has played a large role in creating and driving.’

Hodge said he was extremely disappointed in his actions and accepted the sanction handed down by the leadership group.

‘I have prided myself on holding the playing group to very high standards and I am disappointed that I let them slip on this occasion,’ Hodge said.

‘Our club has established incredibly strong values and I fully support Rough and the leadership group in their decision and ensuring these values are upheld.’