"At the start when I got here I was impressed by how mature the young guys were. I think that's just continued," Hodge said.

"If you look at the blokes I've been lucky enough to play with down back – Harris (Andrews), Darcy Gardiner – who have really taken control of the backline with Richy (Daniel Rich), then you've got your Alex Witherdens and them guys who are coming along as well.

"No doubt I've forgotten a few who'll be filthy at me, but I've been lucky that I'm able to be a little part of the journey with the guys and it's only the beginning of what this group could accomplish in the future."

Hodge has also hinted his playing days may extend into 2020, saying he feels "surprisingly good" at the back end of a season where he's played 14 games to take his career tally to 338.

"It was always a two-year deal and it hasn't been spoken any further on that," Hodge said.