Hodges hops onto The Parade

NORWOOD has further bolstered its defensive stocks, signing former Adelaide Crows development player Max Hodges for the 2022 SANFL Season.

Hodges joins Norwood after featuring twice for the Crows Reserve team in 2021. The 20-year-old applied his trade at Payneham where he played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the Grand Final.

Hodges had a fantastic year donning the black and white, which also saw him recognised in the Adelaide Footy League Team of the Year.

The former Falcon is a dynamic defender who can play on both talls and smalls, adding flexibility and marking power to the Redlegs defence.

Senior Coach Jade Rawlings said the club was delighted Hodges decided to put pen to paper with the Redlegs in 2022.

“We’re really pleased with the acquisition of Max in 2022,” said Rawlings.

“He is still establishing himself at this level of footy, he is a defender who has had some reasonable jobs to do in the SANFL this year which was a good challenge for him.

“Max knows how to position his body to mark it, he reads the ball well and importantly he is of a good character.

“We think there is a fair bit of development in Max and by coming into our program he will be able to work well with our backs down there and keep building his body and conditioning base to become a real high-quality footballer.”

Hodges explained his decision to join Norwood was based on improving himself and taking his football to the next level.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Norwood Football Club in 2022,” said Hodges.

“The opportunity to play more League football is something I was really seeking and to be part of that full-time environment again is what I feel can further my development.

“I look forward to getting stuck into pre-season and giving my best to my teammates and fans in 2022.”

Max Hodges Profile:

Age: 20
SANFL Games: 2
Height: 190cm
Weight: 84Kg
Previous Clubs: Adelaide Crows, Payneham Norwood Union