New South coach Garry Hocking has a few tricks up his sleeve

BRAD Gotch did a terrific job in his three years as South Adelaide coach. He established the Panthers as a highly-competitive unit which warranted full respect and gave long-suffering fans hope of a premiership.

Garry Hocking has been appointed coach of South Adelaide. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

BRAD Gotch did a terrific job in his three years as South Adelaide coach.

He established the Panthers as a highly-competitive unit which warranted full respect and gave long-suffering fans hope of premiership glory.

In his stint at Noarlunga, he twice took the club to the major round.

Now it is another former Port Adelaide coach Garry Hocking’s job to try to finally end the longest premiership drought in the SANFL.

*** This is just one of the many stories which feature in your free 20-page 2017 SANFL season preview magazine, inside The Advertiser on Monday. ***

Gotch has returned to the AFL system and moved back to Melbourne, prompting the Panthers to hire Hocking.

South Adelaide’s Rigby Barnes celebrates kicking a goal. Photo Tom Huntley

The former Geelong champion says there is not a whole lot of difference when comparing himself to his good friend Gotch and is confident his many years experience in the game will prove beneficial.

“I coached the (Port Adelaide) Magpies in 2014 and 2015 and understand the system,” Hocking said.

“I think consistency at the pointy end of the season is an area we need to improve.

“We finished first in offence last season and third in defence so there is a good balance. We’ve added (Abe) Davis and he can play either end and Mick Mott shows good signs.”

Pre-season under Hocking has been competitive with increasing running intensity and more game simulation drills.

As is his way, there are expected to be some Hocking tricks come game time.

Among the tasks facing Hocking is revamping the attack after the club lost Ken Farmer Medallist Brett Eddy to the Power in the rookie draft.

Hocking mentions the likes of Ben Haren and Codey Ellison as options who can have a significant influence in front of goal.

New South Adelaide SANFL coach Garry Hocking. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Ellison has a basketball background and made an impression in his first season at the club last year when he showed a liking for the high mark. The club has been extremely satisfied with his progress during the pre-season.

Another player who has the talents to make an impact in the forward zone is Peter Rolfe, who missed last season after damaging his ACL in 2015 and then seriously hurt his hamstring when attempting to get back into the game. There was speculation Rolfe may return to Alice Springs but he has decided to continue his career in the navy blue jumper.

“We know Brett is a fantastic player and we love the fact he has been given this opportunity in the AFL,” Hocking said.

“But the sun can now shine on other players.”

Pacy wingman Emmanuel Irra has also been picked up by the Power but the big names in the midfield are still at the club after dual Magarey Medallist Joel Cross opted to stay at the Panthers and not return to Victoria.

Noarlunga Oval was a true fortress for the Panthers last season – they did not lose at their home ground.

South’s Joel Cross celebrates kicking a goal. Photo Tom Huntley

RECALL

2016 SEASON

Fourth

BEST & FAIREST

1.Joel Cross

1.Brede Seccull

3.Brett Eddy

LEADING GOALKICKER

Brett Eddy 74

Abe Davis at Sydney Swans training at Moore Park last season. Picture: Mark Evans

GUN RECRUIT

Abe Davis has been lured to Noarlunga after being delisted by Sydney. Among his values to the club will be his ability to play anywhere, plus he is very competitive.

ONE TO WATCH

Nic Schwarz has been in the SANFL system for a while but cemented his spot in the league side last year. He will take pressure off the more recognised names such as Liddle and Cross in the midfield.

RISING STAR

Codey Ellison made an impression in his first year at the club last season and he has the ability to take a high mark. He can be used in attack or in ruck and he has thrived this summer.

BIG OFF SEASON

Brede Seccull had a standout season last year and shared the club best-and-fairest award with Joel Cross. His pre-season has been highly productive and he should benefit by working with new coach Garry Hocking.