AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking will leave the governing body to take over as chief executive of Geelong at the end of the season.
Hocking joined the AFL from the Cats in 2017 and has helped oversee the AFL and AFLW competitions, the laws of the game, the match review panel and tribunal systems, umpiring at the elite level, key talent pathways, and elite coaching development programs.
He will leave his post at the AFL this Thursday, before taking over as Geelong chief executive at the end of the season.
The AFL’s general manager of game development Andrew Dillon will assume Hocking’s duties for the rest of the season, with the league hopeful of naming a permanent replacement before the grand final.
“It is a relentless job, but Steve has made an enormous contribution to the AFL and the wider AFL industry during his time in the role,” AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said.
“He is a values-driven leader who has brought calm, confidence and consistency to the operations of football across the AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and NAB Leagues and his approach is much-respected and valued by his colleagues and the wider industry.
“He has brought improvement to every aspect of the game, whether it’s the growth of the NAB AFLW competition, the expansion of mental health and welfare initiatives across the clubs, rule changes that have opened up the game and made it more spectacular, the development and implementation of the ARC and the ongoing development of umpires.
“The football being played in this AFL season, and the earlier AFLW season, have each been exceptional and that is a testament to the work of Steve and his team.
“This is a great opportunity for Steve and the Geelong Cats for the next step in his career and he goes with our gratitude and blessings and I know he will continue to contribute to the industry in his role at clubland.”
Hocking was a key driver in implementing the new statue on the mark rule this year, along with the medical sub.
Cook has led Geelong for the past 23 years and in this time has rebuilt the Cats’ finances, executed four stadium redevelopments at GMHBA Stadium, and was instrumental in securing funding for the final stage of the redevelopment that will commence later this year.
The long-term administrator has also presided over one of the most successful on-field periods in the club’s history that has yielded three premierships, as well as the introduction of the women’s program.
Willie
Roar Rookie
If Gill believes that, maybe he is the problem.
Vicboy
Roar Rookie
Keep it simple stupid - interchange. The next person in the role should have attracting umpires as a KPI. Stop making umpiring the game so complicated and data driven that the focus is on umpires, rather than letting the players play. There’s effectively 5 interchange eg CCJ. Wonder why the game is so boring and congested. And then ban Kane Clickbait from the app. Game improves overnight!
1dog
Roar Rookie
Do they make them for men?
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I'm clearly in the minority here, but I actually think Hocking has done an ok job. The deplorable continual rugby scrums are gone. The competition is strong and even. Not to mention ability to manage the competition in current COVID climate. I'm sure a couple of sports in our Great land would love strong leadership he's shown. Mind you, he's got one hell of pair of shoes to fill at Geelong. Cook leaves Geelong in a very good state.
Boo
Guest
Hit a sore point Pablo Cruz.Whether our old blokes are older than yours is irrelevant the Tigers are playing like a tired team .Your suggestion Hocking can hand the Cats the cup infers he has had a role to play in there success which is ridiculous .
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Ahem... I actually think Gill and Stevie have done really good jobs. Especially during 2 Covid seasons. Cricket would love an admin like this.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He'd be able to afford a pretty nice Winnebago.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
What could he do though that would favour The Cats? Reward the Selwood Duck?
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Age? Cut it out, Boo! We're spring chickens compared to your mob. Never said the 'rule changes solely benefit Geelong', merely that they are certainly one of the teams to benefit most. Also a bit shallow of you to suggest Tiger supporters think the 'stand' rule has cruelled Richmond's chances! It certainly doesn't help, either does the kick in rule change, or 6x6 . . . The AFL has a history of changing rules when a team dominates for a period of time, look them up. Nevertheless, Tiger supporters know our slide is due to a whole raft of reasons and circumstances but that doesn't suit the popular narrative that exists on this forum.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Birdie, I am trying to see what advantage could be given. Maybe influence on home games etc. when Gale is appointed new AFL CEO, that would be more conflict. But that probably wouldn’t worry me either.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Much more that that. Draft, game and trade rules, plus MRO decisions and salary cap arrangements many of which can favour cerain teams. Arguably more powerful than the AFL CEO or Chair.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Brad COULD certainly be favourably be pre-disposed to Geelong given his twin brother is its incumbent coach. Which is not to say, he WOULD but the potential for conflict is apparent. Yatt, you as a Geelong fan are likely to overlook that fact as it appears you are.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I have a battery powered Ryobi chainsaw?
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Is that you Steve? You'll get no help here mate, the emperor Hocking has no friends here. Tried to turn footy into netball for 3 years, good riddance.
Boo
Guest
Turn it up Pablo Cruz if your contention that Hockings rule changes solely benefit Geelong why are the Cats fifth ? Like many tigers IMO you think the stand on the mark rule has cruelled Richmond's chances whereas I think it's a normal drop in performance due to the teams age .
Boo
Guest
Brian Cook is a good bloke spoke to him at the races I said have loved the Cats since I was seven he replied I've loved them since I been there .
1dog
Roar Rookie
Lock it in. We already have the mullets and mo’s
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
Out of the fire and back to his old frying pan. Where he belongs.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
The stand rule could be OK if only the umps could remember to call play on. That umpire error has cost many goals.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Peter and Tim Costello certainly didn't dance together.