Cats chief throws support behind one state, extra round concept

GEELONG chief executive Steve Hocking has thrown his support behind the introduction of Magic Round, believing the concept will shorten the pre-season in a win for players.

Speaking at GMHBA Stadium on Friday to launch the 2022 premiership cup tour, Hocking (pictured) said “players want to play” and backed in the introduction of a new round into the AFL fixture.

“(I) don’t have a preference (on where Magic Round is played) other than I think it’s fantastic to take nine games to a state,” Hocking said.

“Wherever it lands, good luck to that state, but I think it’s great for football. My understanding is there’ll be less pre-season and I’m not quite sure why pre-season’s gone for as long as what it has.

“I think players want to play and if you’re going to play, you want to play in an actual premiership game.

“I think it’s fantastic for the fans, my understanding is it’s going to land in the second week of the school holidays, which means young people, young kids get to connect with the game.”

In a wide-ranging interview, Hocking said the club remained hopeful of adding AFLW star

Daisy Pearce to its premiership winning coaching panel. “We’re very settled, hopefully we’re able to add Daisy Pearce but that will depend on how Melbourne go,” he said.

“We wish Daisy the best of luck with their finals series as well, although if we come up against them we’d like to beat them. Hopefully we’ll add Daisy in the new year.”

Hocking also provided an update on spearhead Tom Hawkins’ foot injury. “He had surgery in Brisbane on Thursday,” he said.

“I haven’t had an update on that, but only to say that they did a lot of work the medical team … consulted with all the right experts. Tom’s an absolute pro, he’s just getting better the longer he goes.

“Potentially (miss the opening few rounds) but you don’t know, the surgery could have gone exceptionally well and it may pull it forward and it may not have, they may have uncovered other things.” Hocking said the Cats’ AFLW side would be given a home final at GMHBA Stadium if they end up finishing as the fifth or sixth seed in the lower half of the top eight. Where they finish will depend on the final home-andaway round this weekend.The Cats play Sydney at GMHBA Stadium at 5.10pm Saturday.