An under-16 and two-time under-18 state basketball representative, the former Queechy High student played his first year of club football last season, kicking three goals and winning best on ground honours in his debut for South Launceston's under-18s.

A broken leg cut his maiden NTFA season short but did nothing to dampen his love for footy - especially when he arrived at TSL powerhouse North Launceston later that year.

"I broke my leg in the third round so I had to have that year off and the year off basketball as well," Cocker said.

"This year I've come to North, went to pre-season and kind of started from there.

"They've got a bunch of really great blokes and a real source of mateship around the club - they've welcomed me with open arms and brought me into the club as one of them."

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A string of impressive development league performances led to a senior debut against Kingborough in May, where the 18-year-old impressed in three quarters before a diving smother saw him spend the last term in hospital.

Cocker returned for wins over Launceston and North Hobart, and will play his third consecutive senior game against Lauderdale on Saturday.

"I can't really describe it - it was very nerve-racking," Cocker said of his senior debut.

"The first and second [quarter] it took me a while to get into the game, but in the third quarter I felt alright and then I got knocked out.

"It wasn't too bad because I knew it wasn't going to be a long-lasting injury - it was only going to be a one or two week kind of thing.

"It was annoying because it was in my first senior game, but it wasn't too bad because I knew it was only going to be for a week or two.

"The last few games I've played have felt a lot better."

Having already made a strong impression in his first year at the Bombers, the apprentice builder is now hoping to play out as much of the rest of the season as he can.

Basketball will take something of a back seat in the meantime, although Cocker could still look to pull on the green once more next season.

"I'm still playing A-grade men's in town but that's about it - I might be looking to do under-20 state team again next year I'm but not sure yet."

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