Steve Hocking is leaving his post at the AFL to become Geelong Cats’ new chief executive

Steve Hocking wasn’t afraid to change up the rules and existing structures within the game. Did you rate his time as footy boss? VOTE

The AFL will begin its search for a new football boss next week after Steve Hocking announced he would be leaving his post to take up the newly vacated role as chief executive of Geelong.

Hocking will finish at AFL House on Thursday following a four-year stint which has seen him leave a major stamp on the game.

He will start at Geelong after the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Hocking has overseen a host of rule changes including the “stand” man on the mark rule, which AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has finally admitted was Hocking’s idea.

“It’s a great appointment for Geelong and a loss for us,” McLachlan said.

“He’s brought improvement to every aspect of the game, whether it’s the growth of AFLW, expansion of mental health and welfare initiatives across the clubs, rule changes that opened up the game and made our game more spectacular or the development and implementation of the ARC and the ongoing development of umpires.

“The changes Steve has made to the game have resulted in an exceptional year of football this year so far.

“The football, I think, is in fantastic shape and it’s a great credit to him.”

Steve Hocking after announcing his resignation at AFL House. Picture: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Hocking said the “time’s right” to make the move after Brian Cook announced he would be stepping down from the top job at Geelong after 23 years in the role.

Hocking played 199 games for the Cats and served as Geelong’s head of football before joining the AFL.

“I’ve clearly got a long-term relationship with them as well. I started there as a 17-year-old back in 1983 so there’s a lot of history there for me,” Hocking said.

“I’ve got an insatiable appetite for learning and continuing to improve so I take what I’ve learnt here and I’m going to be able to overlay that at Geelong.”

Hocking said he had accepted public backlash to changes he had made to the game but hoped he had left the AFL in a better position.

“There’s no doubt that the fans don’t like significant change and for obvious reasons. They care about the game,” Hocking said.

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Hocking accepted public backlash to changes he had made to the game but hoped he had left the AFL in a better position.

Gillon McLachlan said the latest changes Hocking had made to the game had resulted in an exceptional year of football.

“We’re all human so clearly you lose a bit of bark along the way. But I think from my point of view I’ve really embraced it and enjoyed that part of it. The reason why I respond in that way is everyone’s passionate about the game and they just care for the game so it’s fine to butt heads on a whole host of things.”

Hocking said changing the holding the ball interpretation mid-season in 2020 was his most difficult decision and also opened up on his discussion with McLachlan when he raised the idea to extend the goalsquare in 2018.

“He (McLachlan) was very strong on that, ‘Don’t change any of the lines’,” Hocking said.

“He’s very strong around the traditions of the game, which I value and have certainly respected that. But I remember the conversation when I rolled in and said the goalsquare is going to be doubled. It was a bit of run in between the two of us.”

McLachlan said the AFL would search for candidates for the role both internally and at club level and would also consider narrowing the job description given the scope of the role at present.

“I feel confident from within the AFL or within the clubs that there will be a strong candidate,” McLachlan said.

Andrew Dillon will acting executive general manager of football for remainder of season, including assisting AFL match review officer Michael Christian.

Hocking bombshell: AFL boss quits to join Geelong

AFL football boss Steve Hocking is leaving his post at league headquarters to return to Geelong.

Hocking has been appointed the Cats new CEO, replacing long-time administrator Brian Cook.

“Steve Hocking’s deep football and commercial experience is the perfect combination for our next CEO,” Geelong Football Club President Craig Drummond said.

“I am confident that Steve’s values-based leadership, discipline and focus will continue to drive a culture of high performance and success for the club. As a strong advocate for the AFL industry, Steve has driven higher standards across all elements of football, including the quality of the game, diversity, and the mental health of all industry participants. We are delighted to welcome Steve back to the club.”

AFL executive general manager of football Steve Hocking is heading back to Geelong.

Hocking is leaving the AFL at the end of this week, but will not start at Geelong until the end of the season.

AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon will become the league’s acting General Manager - Football Operations until Hocking’s replacement is found.

AFL staff were told of Hocking’s decision at 1pm today.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said he hoped to appoint a successor before this year’s Grand Final.

Former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott is one name in the mix, currently working with the league as head of AFL Victoria.

McLachlan said Hocking had helped steer all 18 clubs through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is a relentless job, but Steve has made an enormous contribution to the AFL and the wider AFL industry during his time in the role,” McLachlan said in a statement.

“He is a values-driven leader who has brought calm, confidence and consistency to the operations of football across the AFL, AFLW, VFL, VFLW and NAB Leagues and his approach is much respected and valued by his colleagues and the wider industry.

“He has brought improvement to every aspect of the game, whether it’s the growth of the NAB AFLW competition, the expansion of mental health and welfare initiatives across the clubs, rule changes that have opened up the game and made it more spectacular, the development and implementation of the ARC and the ongoing development of umpires.

“The football being played in this AFL season, and the earlier AFLW season, have each been exceptional and that is a testament to the work of Steve and his team.

Hock is coming home 🏡

Steve Hocking has been appointed as the club’s new Chief Executive, commencing at the completion of the 2021 season.

READ 📘: https://t.co/YrgUnFNOjepic.twitter.com/xfPNha3oZY

— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) July 5, 2021

“This is a great opportunity for Steve and the Geelong Cats for the next step in his career and he goes with our gratitude and blessings and I know he will continue to contribute to the industry in his role at clubland.”

Hocking joined the AFL in 2017 and oversaw a number of controversial rule changes in a bid to do away with congestion and improve scoring.

He introduced the 6-6-6 rule for each centre bounce and this year’s “stand” man-on-the-mark law.

Following the announcement, Hocking thanked his team at the AFL for their support and hard work in what has been a particularly challenging 18 months.

“The game is well-served by so many people who work together to ensure it is the best it can be, I can’t praise enough their efforts of our football operations team and the wider AFL organisation in navigating the pandemic,” he said.

“I also want to thank the clubs, the coaches, players and umpires and the wider industry for the way they have embraced the changes needed to ensure football continued for our members and supporters through this period. It has not been an easy time but the relationships across the industry mean our game is in good hands.”

Hocking played 199 games with the Cats, including the thrilling 1989 Grand Final loss, and then returned to the club as chairman of selectors in 2004.

He then became the club’s assistant general manager – football operations.