Garry Hocking thrives juggling dual Port Adelaide coaching roles

PORT Adelaide’s Garry Hocking did not need a second invite when offered the Magpies coaching role this season.

16/09/14..SANFL grand final launch. SANFL Grand Final Press Conference. Port's coach Garry Hocking Pic. Roy VanDerVegt

PORT Adelaide’s Garry Hocking did not need a second invite when offered the Magpies coaching role this season.

The former Geelong champion wanted the job and was only too keen to turn his winter in a challenging juggling act working as a Power assistant while controlling the club’s state league outfit.

Now he is just one victory from achieving the prize which proved elusive during his illustrious playing days — a grand final victory.

Asked if he put his hand up for the Magpies position, Hocking responded: “Absolutely.

“It is such a proud club, its history and there is an expectation to do well and I thought that would really improve myself to go back in and learn more about coaching.

“I enjoyed the four games from an AFL perspective at the end of 2012 (caretaker coach of the Power after Matthew Primus was sacked) and I was looking to get back and grab the steering wheel again, get the coach on the game-day experience and planning and preparation through the week. It is a win-win situation for me.’’

Last weekend, Hocking was in Perth as an assistant for the Power for the AFL final against Fremantle.

He returned to Adelaide overnight via Melbourne to take charge of the Magpies for the preliminary final battle against South Adelaide.

Both Port Adelaide teams were triumphant, meaning another hectic week trading his time between the AFL and SANFL.

He will be in Melbourne on Saturday for the Power’s preliminary final clash against Hawthorn before returning to Adelaide for the Magpies’ grand final confrontation against Norwood at Adelaide Oval the following day.

“I’ve been in footy a long time — a shorter time as a coach — but there are things during the week that from an AFL point of view I don’t get too consumed in,’’ Hocking said.

“I know my role on match day (with the Power) and that is to work with the coaches and manage the bench.

“Then I flick across and make sure we are focused (on the Magpies) and have got the best 21. You have got to make sure you are doing the job 100 per cent. It is tough but I have been able to get the routine down pat.

“All through my coaching has been about teaching players the game — try and put across the passion I have. But every coach’s dream is to have a crack at winning the big thing.’’