Being number one. It’s the dream that fuels the desire of all top sports people. Very few ever get to realize it. What happens though, when you are number one? Not for what you have done - but for what people expect of you?

That’s the challenge Luke Hodge faced when his name was called out first in the 2001 AFL National Draft. When The Hawks chose the 18 year old from Colac they made him the Dux of the class for 2001. And with that came what has been one of footy’s more debilitating conditions – the burden of expectation.

Not that it seems to have worried Hodge. Anyone who saw his explosive run and razor sharp skills in the game last Friday night against the Western Bulldogs would agree that the guru’s at Glenferrie Oval made they right call when they invited him to become a Hawk.

His 20 possessions off a half back flank helped his side recover from a five-goal deficit to win the game. It has also earned him the Rising Star nomination for round 15.

It is just reward for all the hard work Hodge has put in to overcome an injury riddled pre-season that threatened to de-rail his first year before it began. As the rest of the team geared up for the season opener Hodge was struck down by the scourge of the modern day footballer - osteitis pubis.

“It was pretty frustrating but the coaches down at Hawthorn said don’t worry about it, just focus on your own thing and get ready for mid-season.”

Osteitis pubis – it sounds like the name of a long forgotten Roman Emperor. We hear it mentioned on injury reports every other day, but what is the impact on the players with the condition ?

“It’s a very sharp pain in your groin. It happens at different times. Some people get it when they kick or when they sprint. You can be sitting down and feeling OK, but as soon as you try and get up to run it hits you,” Hodge explained.

Footy clubs were queueing up to talk with Hodge before last years draft following an outstanding season with the Geelong Falcons. He followed that up by winning the Ron Barassi Medal whilst representing Australia in the Under 17 International Rules series against Ireland.

And whilst there was a revolt among some Hawk fans when the club traded Trent Croad for the number draft pick, there’d be few who’d question the wisdom of that decision now. As for Hodge, he feels right at home at a club that prides itself on nurturing good footballers and great men.

“They have a great structure here. Everyone is a perfectionist. They do everything by the book and try to get everyone in peek condition. And then there’s “Schwaby” and “Parko” who are always there to chat to. If I ever need to ask a question to find out where I’m at or if I have any frustrations they’re always available.”

Some players take time to adapt to the demands of the game at the elite level. Others like Hodge find that it’s a bigger canvas on which to explore their art. And the Hawks are making sure he finds ways express himself.

“The coaching staff put me at half back so that I could use my fitness and run at the ball and I didn’t have to go chasing kicks up forward. I’m still working on my defensive skills with Jade Rawlings, Mark Graham and Rayden Tallis. I’ll just keep on working on it and it should come.

“The game is a lot more physical and faster (than at junior level) but there’s also a lot more space and if you can find that out on the ground you’re team mates will find you the ball.”

The Hawks have been scrapping for survival in the finals race in recent weeks, scratching out results without showing the sort of form that a real contender should. Hodge believes that last weeks win over the Dogs might be the break through the club needs to make a run to the finals.

“After the game you could hear the fans going crazy as you were walking off the ground and when we walked into the rooms after the game everyone was on a high after the final quarter that we played.”

Proud, passionate and pumped, the Hawks are capable of anything. And with a young gun like Luke Hodge ready to fire, being number one is not out of the question.