Nathan Bock

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

In 2010, former Essendon high performance manager Dean Robinson was employed as the fitness coach at the fledgling Gold Coast Suns. Stephen Dank was also there for several months on a "handshake agreement" until dismissed just prior to the 2011 preseason. Adelaide's Nathan Bock also joined the Suns as an uncontracted player at the start of the 2010 season after 113 games with the Crows. During his time with the Suns,

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

A severe toe injury has forced Tiger Jake King to retire immediately. He explained to SEN's hosts that there was no cartilage left in the joint connecting his big toe to his foot and also there was a crack in the bone. Both made it painful for him to walk and he could no longer kick the ball. He said a number of treatments have been tried but all had failed. The only option left is surgery to fuse the joint. The injury restricted him to just two senior games this year.

When the bottom team travels to play a team sitting in seventh position on its home turf it is generally a recipe for disaster. The Gold Coast Suns are a developing team with flashes of brilliance and two wins so far in their first season. The Fremantle Dockers wanted to celebrate the occasion of Captain Matthew Pavlich’s 250th game. “Pav” is acknowledged by many as the greatest player in the history of the Fremantle Football Club. Weather conditions were blustery, cold and wet – a rare combination in Perth, but perfect for Aussie Rules football.

Adelaide traded its compensation selection for the loss of Nathan Bock to the Gold Coast and a third round selection (#50) for Richmond's Richard Tambling. Tambling debuted for Richmond in 2005 and played 108 games and kicked 61 goals.

Several weeks ago, Adelaide defender Nathan Bock informed club officials that he was defecting to the Gold Coast (see www.afana.com/drupal5/news/2010/08/18/crow_flies_nest-2229). As a result, he will be teammates in the backline with former opponent Port Adelaide's Nathan Krakouer who has also signed a three year deal with the new expansion team.

All-Australian defender Nathan Bock will not play out the season with the Crows after announcing he had accepted an offer to join the Gold Coast Suns next season. After Bock informed club officials of his decision, Coach Neil Craig said Bock would not be selected for the remaining games.