Former Adelaide defender Graham Johncock always knew what he wanted to do after football.
“Once I finished footy, I was always going to move back home to Port Lincoln,” Johncock told AFC Media.
The third player to don the No.18 for the Club, Johncock began his career as a forward before moving down back under Neil Craig.
At the end of 2013, after a brief return to the forward 50, Johncock called time on his 227-game career and - as promised - moved home.
“I got involved with my local football club, got involved in the community,” he said.
“I coached Mallee Park for a few seasons and was lucky enough to win a couple of premierships as well.”
Although well past his AFL days, 38-year-old Johncock still has a run on the weekend in the B Grade competition.
“I’m just floating around the B’s and having a kick and a catch and a laugh,” he said.
“It’s awesome, running around with my brothers and cousins who I grew up playing with.
“I’m just enjoying winding down.”
Away from football, Johncock works for the education department, supporting aboriginal families, students and communities
He has four kids - two girls (12 and nine) and two boys (six and 18 months).
“My second daughter doesn’t mind footy,” Johncock said.
“I’m just starting to get my oldest son involved with the juniors back home.
“The Club is doing a terrific job with the father/son/daughter academies. I got my daughters to come over and have a run around Adelaide Oval a few years ago.
“Hopefully this year if all goes well with Covid we can get across and enjoy that space some more.”
Although his work and football commitments make it difficult, Johncock still ventures back to Adelaide “as much as he can”.
“I still keep in contact with the boys,” he said.
“Guys like Tex… and Vinnie our head trainer. It’s good to keep in contact.
“With the commitments I have back home, I can’t get across as much as I’d like to… but whenever I do, I make an effort to say g'day and catch up with them.”
While trips to the stands might be tough, Johncock still makes time to watch his Crows at home.
“Definitely still watching on TV,” he said.
“Was a bit frustrating last year, but hopefully there’s a bit more positives this season.”
