Hobbs’ undeniable fervour for football was first lit in Horsham,a town in western Victoria with a healthy connection to the sport. Before Hobbs,it had produced the likes of Craig and Brad Sholl,Adam Goodes,and Jake Lloyd.
The midfielder cracked state selection for the first time as an under-12.
“That really made me understand that I wasn’t too bad,” he said,modestly. “I wanted to keep making these representative teams. It moved on to[under] 15s,and at that stage,I wanted to be the best player on that team. It developed from there.”
Hobbs then made the move to Clarendon College in Ballarat,both in pursuit of his sporting goals,and in a desire to push himself academically. He remembers the boarding experience as “tough early on”,but he remains grateful for the opportunity.
“I’ve got a lot out of it and really matured as a person,” he said.
Clearly,Hobbs’ maturity is of note. He has already been earmarked as a future leader at the top level and captained Vic Country in games against the state’s Metro team earlier in the year.
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“That was huge for me,I’m really proud of that,” he said. “Sadly,we didn’t actually get a carnival,but I got two games to be the captain,and leadership is something I feel strongly about. I see myself as a future leader at the next level.”
In a football sense,Hobbs’ leadership style has been inspired by Chris Judd and Richmond premiership skipper Trent Cotchin,of whom he is a particularly avid fan.
“I’ve listened to a few podcasts with Chris Judd and I think he was a fantastic leader,” Hobbs said. “I think Trent Cotchin has been an unreal leader as well,and I go for the Tigers so I’ve really watched ‘Cotch’ and I think he’s done huge things and really turned the club around.”
It comes as no surprise to learn that Hobbs focuses on leading by example,but he also places a firm emphasis on improving those around him.
“I like to get around my teammates and push them to be the best as well,” he said. “I can definitely be pretty vocal,and I think I know the game pretty well.”
But above all,this competitive beast leads to win.
“I like to win and compete. I don’t think twice about it. It’s been in my nature and my personality all the way through,” he said.
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