Bock going for goal

FORMER AFL backman Nathan Bock will make his comeback playing as a forward for Southport, the club he coaches in the NEAFL.

Now 32, Bock was named as Southport’s spearhead for the match against Ainslie in Canberra today, although the former Adelaide and Gold Coast Suns big man denied his return has anything to do with an injury crisis at the Sharks.

With spearhead Jack Anthony out suspended, Bock felt the time was right for his first official game since NEAFL Round 18 last year.

Bock never really recovered from a broken leg he sustained in Round 6 of the 2013 AFL season.

He did have a hitout in the annual Ted Whitten Memorial match in Melbourne a month ago and admitted he pulled up somewhat sore after that exercise.

“It’s not so much injuries at the club,” Bock said when explaining his decision to return to the field.

“I’d sort of been planning to do it for the last month or so.

“I intended to play against Redland but I pulled up a bit sore after a separate session I did.

“But I’ve trained this week and I feel good.”

The Sharks have lost Bock’s brother, ruckman Christian (hamstring), Haydn Keil (hamstring), Nick Burton (groin) and they omitted Josh Macansh and Ben Hancock.

Big Will Wolbers is back in the ruck, defensive rock Wayde Mills returns from injury and youngsters Tom Thynne and Lachlan Ritchie have been recalled.

The Gold Coast Suns have excitement machines Harley Bennell and Jack Martin named for their clash with ladder leaders GWS Giants at Metricon Stadium at 10.30am today.

The Suns named 12 listed players, including Bennell, Martin and Henry Schade. The latter two are resuming from injuries and Bennell from his well publicised club sanction over a drug issue.