But Bock, who at the best and fairest presentation cheekily quipped that his newest and most prestigious wardrobe item was a ‘bit too long’, is ready to tailor his behaviour in a bid to earn a place in the Crows’ leadership group over the coming years.
Bock, 25, is one of a new breed of Crow preparing to lead the club to its next premiership.
On Friday night, Bock became the first player outside of the big three – Andrew McLeod, Simon Goodwin and Mark Ricciuto – to win the Malcolm Blight Medal in five years and was the first ‘new’ winner since Goodwin back in 2000.
Bock said he was under no illusions that his best and fairest win would come with greater responsibility.
“Leadership is probably something that hasn’t been my forte growing up so far through the AFL ranks, but it’s definitely something I want to strive for in years to come,” Bock said.
“I’ve learned a lot from Ricciuto and Goodwin being in the leadership squad and I think the time has come for me to start taking a leadership role.
“I need to show the way for a few of the younger guys coming up and, if I can do that, I’ll be very happy.”
This year the Adelaide leadership group, which is elected by the players, was comprised of Goodwin, Tyson Edwards, Brett Burton, Ben Rutten, Nathan van Berlo and the recently retired Nathan Bassett.
Bock, who identified former skipper Ricciuto as the greatest leader he’d ever seen, didn’t rule out making a play for a leadership role as early as next season.
“I’ll assess it [the leadership role] when the time comes, see how I’m travelling and see how much I’m helping out with the other guys,” he said.
“Leadership comes from within. If you want to show those qualities, you’re the only one who can drive that.
“It’s something that I’ve definitely started and built on this year and I think I can keep progressing with it. Hopefully one day, I can be a leader of the club, or if not, in the leadership group.”
