Some players stick to one position. Then there’s Angus Hocking, a defender who’s played just about everywhere—and done it well. From starting as a goalkeeper out of necessity to locking down a spot in the backline, Gus is the kind of player every team wants: hard-working, versatile, and always up for the challenge.

Born in Bacchus Marsh, he moved to Wagga at six and started playing football at nine, following in the footsteps of his brothers. He spent his early years at Henwood Park before heading back to Victoria to play for Bacchus Marsh Scorpions in the Ballarat league. When he returned to Wagga, he had another stint at Henwood Park, then moved to South Wagga in 2023 before landing at Wagga City Wanderers in 2024.

His proudest moments? Winning Best & Fairest in his second season at Bacchus Marsh and again at South Wagga. At Bacchus Marsh, he came in unsure of where he stood, only to be thrown into an attacking midfield role in his very first game—despite spending most of his career as a defender. That belief in him gave him the confidence to reach another level, and by his second season, he was taking home the club’s top individual award.

A similar story played out at South Wagga, where he made the tough decision to leave Henwood Park after feeling under-utilized. It wasn’t an easy call—Henwood had been his junior club—but the move paid off. After starting in reserves, he quickly established himself as a first-team regular and went on to win South Wagga’s First Grade Best & Fairest.

Of course, scoring his first-ever goal at 19—and then bagging a second just 15 minutes later—is another moment that sticks in his memory. For a defender, that’s a pretty good day out.

On the pitch, Gus prides himself on being defensively aware, hard-working, and adaptable. He might not have a signature move or flashy celebration, but he always puts his right boot on and ties it up before even touching his left sock—a superstition he didn’t even realize he had until someone pointed it out pre-game a few years ago.

Outside of football, he works as an electrical engineer, designing powerlines throughout regional NSW. When he gets the chance, he enjoys a hit of tennis or a round of golf—which, given his competitive streak, we can only assume he plays with the same level of intensity as football.

His pre-game pump-up song? “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters—a fitting choice for a player who’s always ready to prove himself on the pitch.

And the big goal? Winning a league title. Given his resilience, adaptability, and ability to step up when needed, don’t be surprised if that ambition becomes a reality sooner rather than later.