Hawthorn took the talented West Australian youngster at pick No.38 in Thursday's NAB AFL Draft, after all clubs overlooked him in the 2012 draft because of off-field issues.
Hodge said the leadership group was always informed about any potential drafting decisions and the players had no issues with the club selecting Garlett.
Hawks' punt on Garlett
"Young guys make mistakes," Hodge said.
"He has made major improvements in the last 12 months off-field – everyone has known his ability has always been there on-field, but the club was very happy with how he has improved."
Garlett played with Swan Districts in the WAFL in 2013, kicking 48 goals in 17 matches, and Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was in regular contact with him throughout the season.
"Everyone makes crucial mistakes growing up," Hodge said.
"That is how you learn. That is how you get better into the future, so we're keen for him to come across."
"Young guys make mistakes," Hodge said.
"He has made major improvements in the last 12 months off-field – everyone has known his ability has always been there on-field, but the club was very happy with how he has improved."
Garlett played with Swan Districts in the WAFL in 2013, kicking 48 goals in 17 matches, and Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was in regular contact with him throughout the season.
"Everyone makes crucial mistakes growing up," Hodge said.
"That is how you learn. That is how you get better into the future, so we're keen for him to come across."
No kid gloves, say Hawks
Hawthorn is regarded as having one of the best player wellbeing systems in the AFL and player welfare and development manager Jason Burt will have initial responsibility for settling Garlett into the club.
Garlett will face the media for the first time on Monday morning alongside fellow recruits, Billy Hartung and James Sicily.
Hodge said the club's loss of Lance Franklin through free agency was simply the reality of football and he said everyone wished the former forward star well.
Hodge noted that Franklin had turned up to training at the Sydney Swans early last week, and joked that it was not something he ever did in nine years at Hawthorn.
"They're going to be a good side next year with him."
Hodge was speaking at the launch of The Players' Trust, an AFL Players' Association initiative funded through the collective bargaining agreement that is designed to support players to manage the effect of injury post-career.
Hawthorn is regarded as having one of the best player wellbeing systems in the AFL and player welfare and development manager Jason Burt will have initial responsibility for settling Garlett into the club.
Garlett will face the media for the first time on Monday morning alongside fellow recruits, Billy Hartung and James Sicily.
Hodge said the club's loss of Lance Franklin through free agency was simply the reality of football and he said everyone wished the former forward star well.
Hodge noted that Franklin had turned up to training at the Sydney Swans early last week, and joked that it was not something he ever did in nine years at Hawthorn.
"They're going to be a good side next year with him."
Hodge was speaking at the launch of The Players' Trust, an AFL Players' Association initiative funded through the collective bargaining agreement that is designed to support players to manage the effect of injury post-career.
