Inaugural Crow Eddie Hocking has re-joined the Adelaide Football Club to work alongside great friend Andrew McLeod, helping boost the Club’s Indigenous programs working with youth in communities across South Australia.
Hocking, who was the Club’s first Indigenous player, will join Andrew and Rachael McLeod in the delivery of the Ready, Set, Crow program.
The program is a partnership developed with Prime Minister and Cabinet that provides ongoing support to secondary school students from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands and Far West Coast regions.
Hailing from Clare in South Australia’s mid north, Hocking made the initial Crows squad and was selected to play in the Club’s first AFL game against Hawthorn in 1991.
He became one of the Club’s first cult heroes following his run in with Collingwood ruckman James ‘Charlie’ Manson in Round 15, 1991. Despite being the shortest ever player to have taken the field for Adelaide, Hocking didn’t take a backwards step when the 194cm, 108kg, brute came at him, giving Manson a quick right-hook to the face.
Since retiring from playing, Hocking has remained involved in football through the SANFL and its Indigenous development pathway.
Most recently, he held a role with the Education Department where he worked with Indigenous Youth at Salisbury High School.
Hocking said he was already enjoying working with the McLeod’s to extend the Club’s reach within Wiltja Residential, in the APY Lands and Far West Coast communities.
“I’m definitely excited about being back part of the footy club environment while also working closely with Indigenous kids from across SA,” Hocking said.
“The Club has certainly changed a lot since 1991 – it’s a lot bigger, there’s a lot more people, and it has strong community programs in place.
“Back when I was playing it was just a couple of Atco huts as admin offices so it’s fantastic to see how much it has developed.
“Andrew and Rachael have had great success with the Indigenous programs they lead. My appointment in the program will focus on an attraction strategy to engage youth, provide support to families and students within Wiltja and encourage educational pursuits.”
Hocking is one of two new Project Officers appointed to the Club, with Crows SANFL player Josh Wittwer also commencing to further enhance the impact of the Ready, Set, Crow program.
The Club’s Indigenous work tailors programs to meet student needs through each stage of their high school education. It encompasses the McLeod Challenge, Indigenous Youth Leadership, Future Leaders, AFC Scholarship and Ready, Set, Crow Programs.
