He was a member of Corowa's 1921 O&MFA grand final side that lost to Lake Rovers.

A left footer, Stockdale started his career at Essendon as a half back flanker in 1920.

Playing at full-forward, he kicked five of Essendon's six goals — one of them, in the third quarter with his opposite foot — in a losing match.

[11] He won Essendon's best and fairest award in 1925; was the team's vice-captain in 1928, and served as captain for one match in 1928.

[13] In 1928, during what would be his final season at Essendon, Stockdale was reported for striking South Melbourne's Bill Berryman in the third quarter of his side's Round 3 match at Windy Hill.