Premiership Captain Finding His Feet After Knee Injury

Peel Thunder veteran Ben Hancock has taken the first steps in his comeback from a serious knee injury which threatened to end his career.

The 2024 premiership skipper has played all five League matches this season, averaging just over disposals a game.

“It’s great to be back,” Hancock said.

“As anyone who’s been injured knows it’s a tough gig watching from the sidelines.

“To play Round 1 was always the goal throughout my rehabilitation, so to be able to achieve that I’m super proud and it is one of the greatest achievements in my career.

“My form definitely needs a bit of work and being out for a long period has its difficulties, but I’m sure that will come with consistency and a bit of continuity in my game.

“The confidence in my body is great, and I didn’t have any setbacks or issues throughout my rehabilitation process or since returning.”

That is a huge relief for Hancock, who was ruled out of the 2025 season with a ruptured ACL, MCL, LCL and a torn meniscus in Round 3 last year.

“The biggest challenge I faced was the first eight weeks post-surgery,” Hancock revealed.

“Due to having meniscus injuries as well, it meant I was in a knee brace with crutches, no weight bearing, for eight weeks.

“That was tough, feeling a bit helpless while having an 18-month-old daughter running around and not being able to get involved much.

“Massive credit to my wife who carried the load for that period.”

The 29-year-old concedes thoughts of giving the game away were serious.

“I definitely considered retirement,” he confirmed.

“At the start of the rehabilitation process it definitely was front of mind.

“Having a young family, my age, and our financial position due to me being off work for three months added to the stress of whether I should concentrate on making a comeback.

“However, having that main goal of being available to play Round 1, still enjoying the environment and game, as well as going out on my own terms, was a huge factor in continuing my career.”

Hancock’s turbulent 2025 meant relinquishing the captaincy this year and handing the baton to Jack Sears.

“It was actually something I was tossing up after the 2024 premiership,” he said.

“I am very content with the decision, and I felt it was time for the next captain to lead the club.

“As well as coming back from a long-term injury and being able to shift a bit more focus to my young family were the main factors.

“Jack is an incredible leader, he’s done a great job so far, and will only continue to grow in the role and be great for the club moving forward.”

For Hancock and his team, consecutive one-point losses have tested the group’s resolve, going down to Perth and Subiaco by the narrowest of margins in the past fortnight.

“Super frustrating and in those games, we’ve been on top in the match in most statistical categories, we just haven’t executed how we want to,” Hancock said.

“We know we are more than capable; we just have to be able to put it together consistently.”

The Thunder flexed their muscles last weekend against the winless West Perth, Hancock picking up 15 disposals in the 71-point win at Lane Group Stadium.

In sixth place on the ladder, Peel plays East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm.