Lockyer’s Next Chapter: From Premiership Defender to Backline Coach

Few players represent the values of the Subiaco Football Club quite like Jordan Lockyer (Locks).

Across 9 seasons of senior level footy, Lockyer built a reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable and uncompromising defenders. Versatile, disciplined and fiercely team-oriented, he became a cornerstone of Subiaco’s backline during one of the club’s most successful eras.

A four-time premiership player (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021), Lockyer’s impact extended well beyond the big moments. He was a player trusted to take on all types of opposition forwards. His preparation, communication and leadership became trademarks of his game.

Jarrad Schofield coached Lockyer to the club’s 2015 and 2018 premiership victories and reflected on Lock’s time as a player.

“He was reliable, tough and incredibly versatile, able to match up on all types of opposition forwards. Week in and week out he prepared himself to compete, and you always knew what you were going to get from him. He led with conviction through his actions, his communication and the standards he set both on and off the field.”

Lockyer’s playing career at Subiaco was decorated with individual and team success. He was named ANZAC Medallist in 2015, finished third in the Best & Fairest in both 2015 and 2019, and earned WAFL Team of the Year honours five times. His consistency and leadership were recognised internally as well, serving nine seasons in the club’s leadership group and stepping into the role of vice-captain in 2022.

Across his career, Lockyer played 127 senior WAFL games for Subiaco and 181 senior state league games across the WAFL and NEAFL competitions.

But for Lockyer, the achievements tell only part of the story.

“When I look back on what I was able to accomplish at Subi, I feel incredibly proud. To play here during such a successful period was a huge honour. Being part of the premierships and sharing those moments with your best mates, that’s something I’ll always look back on with incredible fondness. You share the big moments and the challenging moments, and you walk away with lifelong mates, a heap of stories and memories that stay with you forever.”

Lockyer credits the club’s culture and the people around him for shaping both his football career and personal development.

“I’ll always be incredibly thankful to the coaches and staff who brought me to the club back in 2015. There were relationships there from junior footy, and I’m grateful for the belief they showed in me. Schoey was coaching at the time, and coming into this environment was honestly one of the best decisions I ever made. This club and its culture are second to none. It taught me a lot — not just about football, but about standards, accountability and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

It was that understanding of the game and the environment around it that naturally led Lockyer toward his next role — coaching.

“For me, it was a pretty easy decision to move into coaching. I’ve always felt that some of my biggest strengths as a player were my understanding of the game, particularly from a defensive point of view, my communication and being able to make those around me better – skills that translate well to coaching.”

Lockyer has now stepped into the role of backline coach, working with Subiaco’s defensive group and bringing the same preparation, communication and game intelligence that defined his playing career.

“This year, I’ve stepped into the role of coaching the backs, which I’m really enjoying. We’ve got a lot of talent in our backs group and they are a great group of guys, and I’m looking forward to helping them get the best out of themselves and each other.”

Working alongside Senior Head Coach Schofield and the broader coaching group has also provided a strong foundation for Lockyer’s development in his new role.

“From a coaching perspective, working alongside Schoey has been fantastic so far. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, and what he’s already brought back to the club in a short period of time has been awesome to see. It’s a really strong coaching group with Schoey, Nige (Nigel Hamilton), Vinesy (Paul Vines) and the rest of the team, and I’m enjoying working alongside the guys, bringing my experience from my playing journey while continuing to develop as a coach.”

Those around the club believe Lockyer’s football IQ and leadership qualities make him well suited to life in the coaching box.

“He was an uncompromising backman who always put the team first. Locks never chased personal recognition; he simply fulfilled whatever role the team needed. His footy IQ and reliability were obvious during his playing days, and those qualities have made his transition into coaching a natural one.”

While Lockyer’s focus remains firmly on the present, he is also motivated by the opportunity to help guide Subiaco back toward the standards and success that defined his playing era.

“I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, but I’ve always been someone who wants to keep improving, challenge myself, and help others get the best out of themselves and reach their goals. Footy and coaching give me a great platform to do that and to pass on some of the things I’ve learnt throughout my journey. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next chapter holds.

I’m also excited about the opportunity to be part of the club turning things around and getting back to being the successful powerhouse it has been known as for so long. We know there’s a lot of work to do, but alongside everyone involved at the club, I’m keen to roll up the sleeves, and work on earning back the respect of the competition, and bringing that success back again.”

For a player who built his career on preparation, accountability and team-first values, it seems fitting that Lockyer’s next chapter will be spent helping shape the next generation of Subiaco defenders.

And the club is excited to see what he can do.