The Eagle’s might have spoiled Nathan Bock’s return senior football this evening, however the Gold Coast veteran showed Guy McKenna he still has plenty to offer beyond the 2013 Premiership Season – reminding Gold Coast SUNS fans across the country why he was selected as the club’s first uncontracted AFL player.

The 30-year-old swingman was a late inclusion for the travelling Away team this afternoon, returning for the first time since severely breaking his leg against Fremantle in Round 6 last year. 

Replacing youngster Andrew Boston at half-forward, Bock showed he hadn’t missed a beat – providing strong leads for his team mates and throwing himself at every nearby contest.

Finishing with a polished ten disposals, five marks (three of which were inside-50) and two goals from his three quarters of football – the Vice-Captain was impressive in his first AFL appearance for 2013. 

Speaking immediately after being substituted midway through the third term, the Gold Coast Vice Captain could barely hide his excitement as he spoke about his return to the national stage.

“It’s a great feeling to be back out playing alongside the boys at this level,” he said.

“Obviously it’s been a long time – I’ve played a fair bit of footy now in the seconds and so I was pretty confident with the body, but obviously the pace is a lot quicker to what I have been used to.”

While relatively pleased with his efforts, the former All-Australian defender said it would take some time readjusting to the AFL’s high intensity. 

“I knew the intensity would be vastly different to what I have been used to in the last eight weeks,” Bock said.

“I blew out on a few occasions but overall it was pretty good.”

“As I said though, it’s great to be back out there playing footy.”