Luke Hodge has confirmed he plans to join the Brisbane Lions in 2018.

Hodge informed the Hawks of his desire to sign with the Lions on Thursday.

โ€œLuke has been an incredible servant of Hawthorn Football Club and we will support him and his family in the next step of their journey,โ€ Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson told hawthornfc.com.au.

โ€œWe respect Lukeโ€™s decision to take up this new opportunity presented by the Lions and understand the personal development opportunities it provides.

โ€œLuke, Lauren, Cooper, Chase and Leo will always be welcome at Hawthorn and remain an integral part of our family.

โ€œWe look forward to celebrating Lukeโ€™s decorated career in the brown and gold at the Peter Crimmins Medal on Saturday night.โ€

Hodge won four premierships with the Hawks and captained the club for six seasons between 2011-2016.

He played 305 games for Hawthorn over his 16-year career with the club, and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Lions.