The Brisbane Lions should be more than happy with skipper Tom Rockliff at the helm at the Gabba, according to triple premiership-winning captain Luke Hodge.

Hodge and Rockliff have been in the Australian squad for the past two years and the Hawks skipper was happy to pass on leadership advice during the recent tour to the US and Ireland.

“We got chatting on the camp about how they (Brisbane) had been through some tough times with guys leaving. I just talked about my journey and how we went through some tough times at Hawthorn too,’’ Hodge told The Courier-Mail.

“My message to him was that it doesn’t take long to turn things around if you all have the right mindset. It’s all about pushing the right message and having everyone living the beliefs of the football club.

“I’m not privy to the inner-sanctum stuff at the Lions but I do know that Rocky is passionate about football and he is passionate about his footy club.

“He’s passionate about his job as captain too and he goes about his footy the right way. That’s an important ingredient for any leader.’’

Rockliff said the words of wisdom from Hodge were “invaluable”.

“Hodgey is probably the best captain in the AFL and he is that player were you know what you are going to get in big games. He always stands up when a game is there to be won,’’ he said.

“It was great to spend time with him and see the way he goes about his footy. I think he’s got the balance right between having a good time but also training hard and getting the most out of himself and those around him.

“His advice pretty much reinforced that a lot of the things we are already doing has us on the right track.’’