Career
A rover, Hobbs is best remembered for a spectacular mark which he took in the 1961 Preliminary Final where Footscray upset Melbourne to end their streak of seven successive Grand Final appearances. His team lost the 1961 Grand Final comfortably to Hawthorn but he played in back to back Night Series Premierships in 1963 and 1964. Hobbs often rested in the forward pocket and was handy near goals.
In an era where Footscray lacked big goal-kickers, Hobbs contributed one and a half goals a game.
He kicked a career best eight goals in a game against South Melbourne at Western Oval early into his second season. An injury sustained at training in the 1966 pre-season in which he tore his anterior and interior ligaments as well as cartilage in his right knee, ended his VFL career.
In 1966, Hobbs played 4 games for VFA team, Yarraville. This was curtailed with ongoing problems with the injured knee.
In 1968, Hobbs Captain-Coached, Seddon, in the Footscray Districts League.
In 1971, Hobbs coached Footscray Under 19"s to 5th spot on the ladder, then supplying the Footscray Seniors with many young stars. Also Hobbs then was appointed in 1972, Captain-Coach of Melton Football Club, on top of the ladder all year and unbeaten. With the loss of Cahill, and the severe injury to Hobbs, their playing coach, Melton played the man and not the ball and ultimately lost the Grand Final.
In 1973, Hobbs played for Brunswick in a losing Grand Final.
In 1974, Hobbs Captain-Coached Unbeaten Newport to the Flag. In 1976, Hobbs was chairman of selectors for Footscray Football Club.
In 1979 & 1980, Hobbs coached Williamstown in the VFA Second Division, playing in the finals in both years, supplying a 15 year old, Ian Fairley to North Melbourne in the VFL. Hobbs went on to being President of Williamstown Football Club for many years. Hobbs was 23 when his VFL career was ended through the serious injury.
