GARRY Hocking has confirmed he will not be a candidate for Port Adelaide’s AFL coaching position from 2013, but will remain a key part of the club’s football department.
After serving as interim coach for the final four rounds of 2012, Hocking has decided against nominating himself for the senior role for 2013.
Hocking said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and while it affirmed his desire to pursue a coaching career, he believes he needs more time to further develop the skill set required for the senior role at AFL level.
“I said I would use the four weeks as an opportunity to build on my experience as a coach,” Hocking said.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players and I think they have enjoyed the subtle changes I was able to make along the way to how we prepared and the competitive way in which we played.
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“I also gained a lot out of the wider responsibilities of the senior coach, especially the interaction with other areas of the club and our supporters and managing the many people who work in and around the footy department, in particular the other assistant coaches and fitness staff.
“It was an honour to serve in the job, I’ve got some really valuable experience and I’m grateful to the club, president Brett Duncanson, CEO Keith Thomas and football GM Peter Rohde for the opportunity.
“The past four weeks have confirmed my passion for coaching at this level, but I believe I will further develop under a new senior coach who will bring fresh ideas and leadership from outside the club.”
Hocking - who joined Port Adelaide in a development role at the end of 2009 before becoming forward coach in 2011 - will have a yet-to-be determined role with the Power’s next senior coach.
“I look forward to serving whoever gets the job in whatever role they see fit for me,” Hocking said.
“The next coach of Port Adelaide will take over a very talented playing list with fantastic upside and I’m really looking forward to helping whoever that it is.”
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Thomas thanked Hocking for his commitment as interim coach.
“Garry stepped up to the role when we needed him to in a difficult time, and he gave it everything he had during a very challenging four weeks,” Thomas said.
“He has demonstrated his coaching talent and his obvious potential to seek a higher role. ‘Buddha’ is respected by everyone in the game and he’s now held in even higher regard especially at Port Adelaide, from our supporters through to the players, coaches and staff.
“We are lucky to have Garry staying at Alberton to continue working with our players. He now has even more knowledge and experience and will continue to make a fantastic contribution to Port Adelaide’s journey towards success. ”
The senior coach selection committee is continuing to identify candidates for the role and will soon begin interviews, with a view to making an appointment around the time of the AFL grand final.
