When former Crow Eddie Hocking’s football career ended he was unsure what he wanted to be or where he wanted his life to take him.
“I’ve had a few jobs in my life ranging from working in Telstra, working as a storeman, working as a truck driver, working in factories,” Hocking said.
“I’ve had a wide range of jobs but I was going through the motions until I found my passion.”
It might have taken Hocking, who was Adelaide’s first Indigenous-listed player, a while to find his passion.
But once he discovered that his passion was working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, Hocking, now 52, did not look back.
The ex-on-baller worked in Aboriginal education before taking a job within the Adelaide Crows’ Indigenous programs.
But since 2019, Hocking has been working with the Clontarf Foundation which supports young Aboriginal males to go to school, stay at school, finish school and then move into meaningful employment or further education.
“My role is around employment, opportunities, pathways, supporting the young fellas to be work ready,” Hocking said.
“What attracted me to the role was it was a program that supported young, Aboriginal fellas.
“While being at school, it was about making sure we developed their life skills, their social skills - so it was a bit like a wrap-around support program to help.
“Being a program that mentors young Aboriginal fellas sort of really drew me in and the success it gave the young fellas.”
Hocking says looking back now he is not surprised by what he has ended up doing for a career.
“Growing up as a young fella being brought up by my grandmother, Olga, I didn’t really have a male role model or a male figure in my life,” Hocking said.
“First and foremost growing up I wanted to play footy but I also didn’t really know what I wanted to do. School wasn’t a big priority for me as a young fella.
“But as I got older and I worked in Aboriginal education and seeing the impact that it had on young Aboriginal men and women in schools was good, so I sort of grew into that program.
“I love what I do now, seeing the success and the program grow in South Australia.
“Now I think at my age I have found my passion - working with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and seeing them attend school, succeed at school and then support them into the next journey in life.”
Hocking grew up in Clare before moving to Adelaide to play with Central District in the SANFL.
He was one of the smallest players at 168cm but that did not stop him from matching it with the League’s best.
Hocking finished runner-up in the Magarey Medal count in 1990 before being drafted to the Crows’ inaugural team in 1991 and went on to play 11 AFL games.
Nicknamed ‘the scud’ because of his ability to come off the bench and impact games, similar to the quick impact scud missiles had, Hocking said he enjoyed his short time at the Crows.
Hocking, who is a father-of-three, says he will always cherish playing in Adelaide’s first AFL game against Hawthorn and is especially proud of being the first Indigenous-listed Crow.
“Footy was my passion and I was very lucky to be able to play at the highest level,” Hocking said.
“Being part of the inaugural team and the first game at Footy Park against Hawthorn was amazing and it was very exciting and a night that I’ll never forget.
“Being part of the inaugural Crows team and being the first Indigenous player is a real honour.
“Knowing my upbringing and coming from nothing to playing at the top level and being the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person to play for the Crows, so I am really proud of that.”
