VFL Past #77: Heath Hocking - Coach of JHA

[ant555]

Might be hard for them to get him back; don't think anyone he played juniors with is left at the club and he followed his old man to Ringwood East in his top age U18 year (last I heard he was coaching Vermont's U18 but haven't payed too much attention recently)

His old man is not coaching anymore.

 

[Whispering_Jack]

On the tagging thing, he was never a great out and out tagger even at his best...

 

[eth-dog]

On the tagging thing, he was never a great out and out tagger even at his best...

I can recall him getting ahold of Judd a couple of times

 

[Kakkle]

On the tagging thing, he was never a great out and out tagger even at his best...

I was starting to think I was watching a different Hocking to everyone all these years, hah.

 

[citizen-erased]

On the tagging thing, he was never a great out and out tagger even at his best...

More a run with player
had a good tank, marked closely and tackled with effort.
Wasn't quick, but smart enough to know where to be in a pack.

 

[Skip Donahue]

If he were to be back in the team, who would he likely replace?

 

[Whispering_Jack]

More a run with player
had a good tank, marked closely and tackled with effort.
Wasn't quick, but smart enough to know where to be in a pack.

Spot on.

 

[Doss]

Still cares, does Buddha. Yesterday, at one point in the last with the game well in the keeping, he passed to Long in the middle - in the end the kick worked out but it was a bit dicey.

Hocking absolutely roasted himself - wouldn't have been apparent on TV but at the ground it was audible as hell. He was filthy.

Unfortunately, he's one of those where time has caught up with him quickly. But he was decent yesterday and in the end, him shepherding the kids through in the seconds is still a very valuable exercise.

 

[Coldacre]

On the tagging thing, he was never a great out and out tagger even at his best...

disagree. tagged Dangerfield in 2013 and gave him an absolute bath. could definitely play a hard tag when given the task

 

[RearNaked]

Love buddah would like to keep him at the club in some form maybe vfl captain

 

[ScrappyCoCo]

Love buddah would like to keep him at the club in some form maybe vfl captain

NOB does not like this

 

[Kakkle]

Not sure why he'd want to be playing VFL after his career is done and dusted. You don't really see 30 year olds who have played 120 odd AFL games, play VFL football after they are done. He should make some decent money in the ammos.

 

[Beerfish]

Onya Heath.

 

[Zach Package]

Not bad on 8 minutes notice

 

[Doss]

Actually did some handy things today, especially in the last quarter; but has played his last game (minus VFL) you'd think.

Been a warrior for us.

 

[srobbo]

Glad he got to run around again...looked miles off it, but kicked a nice steadier in the 3rd.

Couldn't see him playing in Sydney

 

[Howard Moon]

Shows the true like for like ethos in our team changes!

Our key fwd Hooker is out ...ok let's put his replacement there.... But it's Buddha... Put him there.

 

[eDPS]

Won't be offered another contract

 

[Parish2McGrath]

Essendon veteran Heath Hocking has been advised he will not be offered a contract for the 2018 season.

General Manager of Football, Rob Kerr, thanked Hocking for his valuable contribution to the Club over his 12 year career.

“Heath has been a wonderful player and highly respected Essendon person over a long period of time,” Kerr said.

“Drafted as a rookie, Heath earned his spot on the senior list and went on to become a 100 game player for the Club.

“He is a true competitor, tough, uncompromising and the ultimate professional, on and off the field.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club we wish Heath all the very best for the future.”

Hocking made his debut in 2007 and went on to play 126 games for the Bombers.

He thanked the Club for giving him the opportunity to play football at the highest level.

“I want to thank the football club for the last 12 years. It’s been an amazing time for me,” Hocking said.

“I feel as though I’m a better person for being involved with the footy club.

“Thank you to my teammates and coaches. I have some great memories and I’ve met so many great people, who I will have friendships with for life.

“I’m sad that it has come to an end but I’m excited for the future and what that holds.

“Thanks to all the fans for their support over the journey. They make the club what it is.

“I want to thank my wife for all of her support, and to all of my family for coming to games and being there, and putting up with an AFL footballer.

“As Footballers we can be quite selfish, so their support is enormous.

“Thank you to my Mum, Dad, brother and sister, and extended family.

“Saying that, I hope my journey isn’t over and I’m excited for where the future takes me.”

Hocking was drafted as a Rookie in 2006. He made his debut in Essendon’s ten point win over Carlton in Round 20, 2007. He finished runner-up in the Crichton Medal in 2010 and was named ‘Best Team Player’ in 2014.

All the best Heath. Thanks for those two goals in R23.

 

[Beerfish]

Scandalous!

 

[Lethal]

Thank you for everything Buddha.
Will never forget that you were the first to recommit to the club.

 

[Stopher]

All the best Heath. Thanks for those two goals in R23.

Those goals to beat the Pies at the end of 2015 were pretty sweet too

All the best, Mr MMA

 

[84859300]

A true battler for our club.

Difference is, he'll be one you'll remember after being part of the fabric for 12 years.

 

[Doss]

All the best Heath. At his best he was a very good player for us, a workhorse who always gave 100%.

 

[Lore]

Thank you for being the first to come back. Thank you for 126 games of 100% effort. Thank you for your 12 years of service.

And all the best for the future, Buddha. I hope it is bright.