Hodgson caps stellar year with child
Inspirational Western Force captain Matt Hodgson has had a remarkable 12 months.
He led the club to its best season, his recall to the Wallabies was capped off when he captained the side against the Barbarians and he started 2015 with the birth of his and wife Jodi's second son, Buddy.
Along the way he became the most capped Force player with 113 appearances and scored six tries - he had only scored seven in his previous eight seasons - won the Nathan Sharpe Medal for Force player of the year, the Rugby Union Players Association's People Choice Award and the TWF Force fan club player of the year prize.
But Hodgson, 33, the "old bull" as he is known by younger Force players, is not thinking of hanging up his boots just yet, particularly with the World Cup just eight months away and with Force coach Michael Foley expected to extend his contract beyond the coming season.
"It's only been the last few days that I've stopped and looked back because it's been so hectic," the Force foundation player said.
"I've been thinking about 2016 and beyond. If things work out and I have another good season, hopefully I can stay for one or two more years.
"I'm enjoying my football and as long as I'm enjoying it and staying mentally and physically fresh, and as long as Foles is at the Force, I'm happy to put my hand up.
"His appointment was the smartest move the club has made. We work really well together, we've got a good relationship. As long as we keep that going and the results keep coming, then hopefully we can stay together for a while.
"The positive vibe among the players is so different from past years. It obviously helped getting a few results last season, but confidence is back and that is something that had been lacking in other seasons.
"There are two tough trials coming up and hopefully they will push us into a better performance in rounds one and two, instead of kicking off in round three like last year."
The Force will go into their 10th season with the catchcry "back-to-back", something that surfaced during pre-season planning talks between Hodgson and Foley.
"We started talking about back-to-back, having another good season, but going one step further," Hodgson said.
"It was good to have a good 2014 but we have to go one better. Any team can be good here and there, but we want to be consistent."
"It's only been the last few days that I've stopped and looked back because it's been so hectic."" *Matt Hodgson *
