From the Border Mail
After starting last season in career best form, the then-Lavington ruckman was pleasantly surprised to see his name among the league’s elite players and named in the initial Ovens and Murray 47-man interleague squad against the Hampden league.
Although he failed to make the final side, Hancock said just training with the league’s biggest names was a good experience.
“It was a bit of an honour just to be named in the squad,” Hancock said.
“I probably started the season off playing the best footy of my career.
“It was a bit unexpected but at the same time it was satisfying to get the recognition.
“It was still a huge buzz to train with the league’s best and it was a bit of an eye opener to see how they approached training and their preparation.”
After the high of being named in the interleague squad, Hancock struck a low when he broke a finger which severely affected his form.
Hancock, 24, spent a month playing reserves as he tried to regain his touch.
“I initially broke a finger and then had a few other injuries and my season sort of went downhill from there,” he said.
“Unfortunately as the season wore on I copped a few more niggling injuries and my form faded away.”
After managing 12 senior matches, Hancock was once again dropped late in the season and was overlooked for Lavington’s two finals appearances against Wodonga Raiders and Albury.
The talented big man was inundated with offers over the summer from district clubs as well as two O and M rivals.
Hancock said he had no intention of leaving Lavington after managing 60 senior matches until a change in personal circumstances early in the new year led to Howlong landing his prized signature.
