Retired AFL player Nakia Cockatoo is poised to make his junior club return after putting a full stop to his professional career at the end of this season.
Cockatoo, who most recently laced up the boots for the Brisbane Lions in 2022, started his AFL career at Geelong, a tenure that was unfortunately marred by injury after entering his draft year as a highly promising prospect.
A top-ten draft selection by the Cats in 2014, Cockatoo managed just 34 AFL games across four seasons at Kardinia Park before making a northern switch to Brisbane in 2021.
The big-bodied utility's move was not exactly a fruitful one, though, playing in just 15 games through three years under Chris Fagan at Springfield.
However, upon his retirement after this year's campaign, Cockatoo, a Northern Territory native, is preparing to make his return to Southern Districts - the club at which he played his junior football.
Cockatoo, whose father, Jason, is a Southern Districts hero, has been named in the Crocs' extended squad for what will be his first Northern Territory Football League game in almost a decade.
The ex-AFL talent also previously suited up for the NT Thunder in the now-abolished NEAFL.
"Nakia is one of the nicest people you could meet in football and has been a much-loved member of our Club that will be missed," Brisbane Lions General Manager of Football Danny Daly stated upon Cockatoo's hanging up of the boots.
"Being a top 10 pick highlights the potential and talent Nakia had as a footballer, but unfortunately for him, injuries and his body provided challenges throughout his career.
"However, to play 49 games of AFL football, including some of those being finals, is something he should still be very proud of.
"We wish Nakia and his family all the best with their life after football and thank him for his service to the Brisbane Lions."
