Highly decorated centre half back Nathan Bock arrived at the Gold Coast SUNS from the Adelaide Crows as the GC SUNS’ first uncontracted signing.
Bock was the rock of the GC SUNS defence in 2011. He looked rejuvenated in his career and delivered in spades.
Taking the opposition’s best forward every week, Bock’s form was good enough to earn an All Australian nomination. Bock was a deserved runner-up in the GC SUNS best and fairest award.
Prior to joining the SUNS he was selected by the Crows with Pick 25 in the 2001 National Rookie Draft and was elevated to the Crows Senior List in 2003.
He made his senior debut in Round 5, 2004. Initially used as a forward, Bock’s physicality and competitive instincts soon saw him shifted to defence and it was as a defender that he earned his current outstanding reputation.
In 2008 he was named as the Crows Club Champion and Most Valuable Player. Bock was also selected in the 2008 All Australian side. In the same year he represented Australia against Ireland in International Rules.
Player honours: Adelaide best and fairest 2008; Gold Coast 2nd best and fairest 2011; All-Australian 2008; All-Australian nominee 2011; International Rules Series 2008.
Brownlow Medal: 2011 votes 3; career votes 17.
Previous AFL club: Adelaide (2004-10: 113 games, 57 goals).
Draft history: 2002 Rookie Draft selection (Adelaide) No. 25; 2002 rookie elevation (Adelaide); 2010 uncontracted player selection (Gold Coast).
