Heath Hocking says he’s open to playing a new role when he steps back on to the field for the Bombers this season.

The 124 game player has made his name as a hard nosed midfielder capable of running with the best players in the game.

Hocking said the way the team played in 2016 indicates he may be used elsewhere in 2017.

“Woosha (John Worsfold) didn’t really play a run with sort of role and I think there’s an area for an outside player or going back and changing that role a bit,” Hocking told RSN.

“That’s something I’ll speak with Woosha a bit more about in the future, I think that’s definitely something I’ve got to think about, expanding my game.

“It might not be as an inside midfielder – it might be a bit more outside or half back or half forward, that’s something I’ve got to think about because the game has definitely changed.” 

Hocking kicked three goals and had 23 possessions for the Bombers in his last game for the Club in 2015. 

Injury restricted him to five games that season, but he’s in full training now and ready to return alongside a group of younger teammates who have gained further experience in the absence of their more seasoned teammates.

“The one thing I’ve noticed is the level of how professional our young players are,” Hocking said. 

“They seem like four or five year players, it’s fast-tracked their development and the way they think, their want to get better and to do stuff now. 

“I hope the ten players learn off them a little bit and then provide what we know and that should make us a better team.”