Former Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge has been stood down from the club's round one sideย after being disciplined by the leadership group for missing training.
Hodge wasย sanctioned for failing to inform the club of his absenceย from training.
It is not Hodge's first offence, with the 32-year-old fined $5,000 by the club for drink driving on the eve of the finals in 2015, which reportedly incensed coach Alastiar Clarkson.
โLuke understands that he did not meet the standards of Hawthorn on this occasion,โ Hawks general manager of football operations Jason Burt said.
โUnfortunately there was a breakdown of communication on Lukeโs behalf that led to a misunderstanding of his training expectations.
โThe sanction is reflective of the standards and values of our club of which Luke has played a large role in creating and driving.โ
Hodge said he fully accepts the sanction handed down by the playing group and apologises for his actions.
โI have prided myself on holding the playing group to very high standards and I am disappointed that I let them slip on this occasion,โ Hodge said.
โOur club has established incredibly strong values and I fully support Rough and the leadership group in their decision and ensuring these values are upheld.โ
Hawthorn will now take on Essendon in round one without three of its most important on field leaders of the past decade, with Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis at new clubs and Hodge watching from the stands.
