After revealing Garry Hocking as its number one target for its vacant coaching role earlier this week, Geelong West has got its man.
The Giants have confirmed the Australian Football Hall of Fame member has signed a three-year deal with the GFNL club.
It marks the Geelong great’s return to coaching after leading Leopold to consecutive premierships during a three-year stint from 2022-24.
He will fill the role left vacant by the departure of Chris Browne – who served as an assistant under Hocking at the Lions – in early July, just 11 matches into a three-year deal.
Hocking is no stranger to West Oval, serving as a coaching mentor to Browne and his replacement, Nathan Storer.
“I’ve been incredibly impressed by what I’ve seen at Geelong West this year,” Hocking said in a statement provided to K rock Football.
“The club has assembled a talented young playing group with plenty of upside, and there is a genuine hunger among the players to improve and achieve success. That combination is exciting.”
“I’m excited by the opportunity to help develop this group, continue strengthening our list with the right people and build a football program that can achieve sustained success.
“There is a tremendous amount to look forward to, and I’m excited about what we can create together over the coming years.”
After a 274-match career with Geelong, which included four Carji Greeves medals as best-and-fairest, four grand final appearances, a spot in the Cats’ Team of the Century, and four All-Australian selections, Hocking coached across the Victorian Talent League, SANFL, WAFL and AFL.
He served as caretaker coach of Port Adelaide for four matches in 2012.
Hocking took Leopold to a grand final in his first year in charge before claiming back-to-back flags for the first time in the club’s history over the following two seasons.
Director of Football Tony Costa has labelled the appointment “one of the biggest signings in the history of the Geelong West Giants”.
“Garry’s football credentials speak for themselves, but it is his passion for developing people, building culture and helping clubs achieve sustained success that made him the standout choice for us,” Costa continued.
“Over recent months, Garry has been supporting our football program in a mentoring capacity, and it quickly became clear that his values, leadership and vision aligned strongly with where we want to take this club.
“His investment in our players, coaches and broader club community has been genuine from day one.
“This appointment is about far more than football. It’s about continuing to build a strong and sustainable club, creating an environment where players can thrive, and positioning Geelong West Giants as a destination club both on and off the field.
“We believe Garry is the ideal person to help lead the next chapter of our journey, and we’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead.”
Geelong West sits 10th on the GFNL ladder with two wins ahead of a meeting with North Shore at West Oval on Saturday.
X: @krockfootball
