By Peter Ryan
Nathan Bock has been outstanding for the GC SUNS against the best of opposition in the past month.
Once again on Saturday the 28-year-old key defender – and captain in the absence of Gary Ablett – performed well in the most difficult conditions.
He was the GC SUNS leading possession getter from start to finish against Geelong as he attempted to repel attack after attack from the Cats. He ended up with 27 possessions as Geelong went inside 50 a record 80 times.
"You almost feel really helpless there at times when the ball is coming in like it did," said Bock, "but it is a harsh lesson for the boys. When you have losses like this it's a really big learning curve."
Bock's not only showing his strength in the contest, more impressively he has shown he is strong of mind.
In a defensive set-up that has been like a revolving door, Bock's steadiness and consistency has been very important.
His coach Guy McKenna appreciates his efforts and recognised his critical role after the game.
"He steadied the ship down there. It could have been a whole lot uglier if it had not been for Bocky's performance that is for sure."
It is not only his individual performance that makes him so valuable, it is the example he is setting to any number of young players who are being given experience in defence for the GC SUNS.
On Saturday Bock appreciated the assistance he received from the youngsters who joined him in defence, particularly when Campbell Brown went down with a season ending injury.
The four 19-year-olds - Seb Tape who replaced Brown and fought hard to subdue a rampant Steve Johnson; Jeremy Taylor, who was strong in the first half; and Maverick Weller and Steve May who were solid – all looked to Bock for guidance. And he provided it.
"I am taking that responsibility on as a senior player," he said.
"It was a tough afternoon today and it does test the frustration but I am really enjoying it. Obviously I am disappointed with the loss but (we're) looking to learn a lot and get these kids up and going."
It's a fine attitude for one of the club's leaders to have and part of the reason he is winning such respect for his efforts this season.
It's particularly meritorious when you consider he was once a rookie at Adelaide and had to work hard to overcome a misguided perception that football wasn't the biggest passion in his life.
There is no mistaking his passion when he speaks about the performance of his team post-game.
"That first half was not up to the expectations we set ourselves and it was a good lesson for a lot of the boys," he said.
But despite the margin he can see improvement happening all the time with the lessons from the game against the Cats invaluable.
"I think the intensity and pressure they (Geelong) put on is something the kids can take a lot out of," said Bock.
"(They see) what it takes to be an elite AFL side. We've got a lot of talent but that only takes you so far. Once you can drill the AFL pressure over four quarters, that gives you the opportunity to use that talent."
