GARRY HOCKING has gone back to the future and will step away from duties coaching Port Adelaide's SANFL team - the Magpies - to rejoin the Power's coaching ranks from 2016.
Hocking took on the role of Port Adelaide's SANFL senior coach at the end of 2013 when the club's football program was streamlined to allow its AFL-listed players to all play for the Magpies in the state league.
Previously AFL players were distributed among the nine SANFL clubs.
He rejoins the club's AFL coaching group having maintained roles as a development and forward line coach for the Power up to the end of the 2013 season.
He was Port Adelaide's AFL caretaker coach for four games in 2012 following the resignation of Matthew Primus.
Hocking's record as Port Adelaide's SANFL coach enjoyed a level of success, steering the Magpies to a minor premiership and grand final berth in 2014 and a finals appearance in 2015.
Port Adelaide's general manager of football Chris Davies told portadelaidefc.com.au Hocking's effort in charge of a team that finished top-two in the 2014 and 2015 minor rounds came on the back of his hard work behind the scenes.
His overall record in the SANFL stands at 26 wins and 15 losses.
"Though we're disappointed with our exit from the finals series on the weekend, we're really pleased with the work Garry has put into the program since taking on the job," Davies said.
"He's made it a quality program that our AFL, SANFL contracted players and Academy players want to be part of and play for.
"His passion for coaching has really shone through, and he'll be an excellent asset to have back in our AFL program next year."
While Hocking was appointed to help establish the new football program at Alberton from within the club's existing coaching panel, his replacement will come from outside the club's ranks, with Port Adelaide advertising for the position on Tuesday.
"With Garry coming back into the AFL program, we're really happy with the strong setup we're establishing around Ken," Davies said.
"The Magpies role gives a coach the chance to be part of a strong AFL football program, coaching in the best league outside of the elite competition.
"This is seen as an important pathway in our coaching structure and we'd expect the Magpies coach to take this as an opportunity to build on what Garry has done over the last two years."
