Swans sign former ‘Wammos’ coach for 2025

SOUTH Barwon Football Netball Club is hoping the signing of one of Geelong Amateur’s co-coaches will provide dividends in the long run.

The Swans announced last week the signing of former Ammos playing coach Frankie Hocking, as the club looks to make its climb up the AFL Barwon Female Football divisions.

South Barwon had only one win in its 2024 Division 2 campaign after making the top four the previous year.

The Swans hope the signing of the former VFLW and AFLW Academy player can help ignite the club’s push towards Division 1.

“Frankie Hocking comes to South Barwon with experience both as a player and a coach having most recently coached Geelong Amateurs to the 2023 Division 1 Premiership and being named the AFL Barwon Coach of the Year (in 2023),” the club stated.

“As a player, Frankie began playing in 2014 when living in Sydney and was part of the inaugural women’s academies created by GWS Giants and Sydney Swans in 2016/2017.

“Frankie then relocated to Melbourne in 2019 to play for St Kilda’s VFLW side for the next 3 seasons and being named co-Captain in her final season before retiring and relocating to Geelong.”

Hocking spent two successful seasons with Geelong Amateurs, both of which resulted in Division 1 premierships.

She then spent 2024 away from footy due to family commitments and now makes her way to McDonald Reserve.

“I am looking forward to being part of the South Barwon Football and Netball Club, further developing the female football program and meeting the playing group, building into 2025 together,” Hocking said.

South Barwon’s only Female Football Grand Final was in 2022, losing to Anglesea in the Division 3 decider.