Luke Hodge, who retired at the conclusion of the 2019 season, will return to the Lions in 2020 in a part-time role as Mentoring Coach.
His role will include offering leadership advice, mentoring the young, emerging players and assisting with craft work after a brilliant 18-year career as a player. During his time on-field Hodge played 346 AFL games, 41 of those at the Lions, and won four premierships and two Norm Smith medals with Hawthorn.
Hodge said he is looking forward to the new role after an enjoyable two seasons as a Lions player.
“My family and I have loved our time in Brisbane and are looking forward to staying here next year,” he said.
“I’m excited about my role at the Lions and believe the Club has really progressed over the past couple of season.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead.”
Hodge came to the Lions in November 2017, as did Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, who will also be returning in 2020 but in a new capacity.
All Brisbane Lions official match and training balls will proudly don the Oaks logo as they become the Club’s Official Ball Partner, having previously acted as a Co-Major Partner for the past two seasons.
In a major coup for the Club, Oaks will be their first ball sponsor since 2016.
The Lions are excited to extend their partnership with Oaks to a third year after a successful two years together. During this time the partnership has seen Lions members and fans offered discounted travel to Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites. The company also sponsored the popular “Golden Goals” segment at Lions home games, where members of the crowd attempted to kick goals to win Oaks stays.
In 2020 members will again be offered a discounted rate when they stay at Oaks for Lions home games in Brisbane or away game destinations, including Melbourne, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said the Club were thrilled to keep Oaks in the Lions family.
“We are excited to have a leading accommodation provider, with strong Queensland roots, on our official match and training balls in 2020,” Swann said.
“Oaks have been a great supporter of our Club over the past two years and we are thrilled to have them back, in a new capacity, next year.”
Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites said the company was pleased to continue its support of the Lions.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Lions and foster the strong relationship we have developed with the Club in recent year,” Hooley said.
“As a global company with Queensland roots and a strong commitment to supporting our local communities, it is natural fit to stand behind our homegrown team, the Brisbane Lions.”
About Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites
An industry leader in modern residential-style accommodations, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites provide a home away from home for both savvy corporate travellers and leisure tourists alike. Maintaining consistently high standards of amenities and services across the board, each Oaks property prides itself on connecting the visitor to the spirit of its locale. Exemplified by quality and affordability, Oaks welcomes guests to an ever-expanding group of more than 60 properties in Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, India, Qatar, and Lebanon.
