On Tuesday, Bock confirmed his intentions to leave the Crows to take up a lucrative three-year deal with the Suns - believed to be worth up to $600,000 a season.
The Suns first approached Bock’s management late last year, but the 27-year-old said he wasn’t made aware of the specific details of their “substantial” offer until two weeks ago.
The All-Australian centre half-back has spoken to Suns recruiting manager Scott Clayton, but is yet to have so much as a telephone conversation with coach Guy McKenna or any other club officials.
Bock denied Clayton had used any big-name recruits in the sales pitch to lure him up north, but said he was feeling optimistic about his footballing future.
“I’m not aware [of other signings]. I’m aware of the kind of football team they [the Suns] might have…I don’t really feel comfortable going into any depth about it though,” Bock said on Tuesday.
Bock has managed just 27 games in two seasons, since taking out Adelaide’s best and fairest award in 2008.
He has spent significant time on the sidelines with a groin complaint this season and said the financial security of Gold Coast’s offer was the main reason behind his decision to leave after nine years at West Lakes.
“It’s not all financial, but it is a big part of it,” Bock said.
“It’s a significant offer and something that I found to hard to refuse. I’m 27-years-old and I’ve had a few issues with my body this year, so this is something that’s going to help me set myself up after footy.”
Bock, who also had offers from two Victorian-based clubs, is the first out-of-contract player to officially pledge his allegiance to the Suns.
There are several players, including Geelong star Gary Ablett, Port Adelaide’s Nathan Krakouer, Western Bulldog Jarrad Harbrow and Hawthorn premiership player Campbell Brown, that have been strongly linked with Gold Coast and Bock said his decision to reveal his intentions might prompt more similar announcements.
“With us not playing finals it’s probably made my decision [to tell the club] a little bit easier,” Bock said.
“Whether other players or teams want to go down the same path is up to them.”
Contrary to media reports, Bock denied that he’d signed with or committed to join the Suns during the two-week window of opportunity last year.
Gold Coast released a statement on Tuesday confirming its interest in the South Australian but saying that the club wasn’t in a position to seek an agreement to terms from Bock until the end of the season, in line with the AFL rules.
Bock, who will not play or train with the Crows again, said the decision to leave Adelaide was the hardest of his life.
“I’m saddened that I have to leave. This club has been amazing for me," he said. "They gave me an opportunity off the rookie list and I’ve played 113 games here now. I’ve won a best and fairest; been an All-Australian and made some great mates and life-long friends.
“I would’ve liked to play [out the season], but in saying that now that I’ve made the decision… I would probably feel uncomfortable playing the next two weeks knowing that I wasn’t going to be part of it next year.”
