No matter the result of tomorrow’s GFNL Grand Final, Garry Hocking’s tenure as coach of Leopold will end.
Despite being contracted until the end of 2026, the man known universally as ‘Buddha’ made the call mid-season that this year would be his last.
His time in charge of the Lions, which has so far yielded a premiership from two previous grand final appearances, fulfilling a promise he made to himself when he first entered the elite system in the mid-1980s.
Hocking hoped his chance to give back would come with home club Cobram on the Murray River.
However, after falling in love with Geelong during his 274-game Australian Football Hame of Career at the Cats, it was Leopold that was
“I did really want to get back to grassroots footy and try and put something back into footy because I couldn’t get back to Cobram and do it, and I wanted to do it at Geelong, and I found the best club in Leopold,” Hocking told Bay 93.9.
“And the community are amazing, (and) the club is so, so good. They’ve been so good to me, (wife) Melina, and the family.
“I just wanted to do something in local footy and give something back, and I fell in love with the best club ever.”
Leopold’s path to tomorrow’s meeting with South Barwon has been more efficient than the past two years.
After reaching consecutive grand finals after starting their finals campaign from an elimination final, the Polders overcame St Mary’s and minor premier St Joseph’s to earn a week off.
However, it’s given Hocking more time to ponder his lineup for tomorrow.
Two changes have been confirmed, with Riley Hayden and Nic Ash omitted from the second semi-final lineup.
Star defender Tev Nofi and the experienced Ollie Tate are expected to play, with veteran defender Andrew Pepper and talented forward Max Annandale also in a 24-man squad
“It’s a luxury having all the people available, and we’ve regularly had 44 players consistently turn up and play for the last three years, but particularly this year,” Hocking said
“You add a few new ones, but generally, there’s generally been a really good group.
“And, at this time of the year, it is a luxury, and you are blessed to be able to pick from the best.
“But, also, on the other hand, you’ve got to tell some people who have been there, and trained, and done all the work, done all the preparation, done the extra, done the stuff in the dark no one else would see, that they won’t get the opportunity to run out with the team.
“That’s really disappointing. All you can do is tell them the truth, be honest with them, and show a lot of care for them.”
That care has endeared Hocking to the Leopold group since his appointment in late 2021.
“It’s such a big job now, in terms of player relationships, and dealing with younger players and what they go through,” captain Marcus Thompson said.
“He’s got a good relationship with everyone – the entire squad.
“A lot of work goes into that; he’s really personable.
“I think when you create strong relationships and trustful relationships, that helps your coaching method, and blokes trust what you’re doing.”
X: @krockfootball
