AFL great Brendan Fevola made a surprise appearance at Collingwood’s AFLW training ahead of Sunday’s clash against arch-rivals Carlton.
Fevola made his name at the Blues, kicking 575 goals from 187 games before he was traded to Brisbane ahead of the 2010 season.
But the fan-favourite is now plotting the downfall of his former club as he worked with Magpies forwards at training on Thursday.
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In a series of videos posted by Collingwood’s social team, Fevola was introduced to the group by skipper Bri Davey before working closely with the forwards during ball drills.
The 43-year-old showed off his pace in one clip, but was no match for Lauren Butler, who was able to win the contest.
He then spent time in the goalsquare giving tips on forward craft.
“It’s the hardest spot to play on the ground, by far. Midfielders running around doing whatever they want, defenders just have to punch the ball,” he said to the playing group.
“Forwards have to create the space for each other, you need to be working together. Always talk.”
Fevola praised the players after the session, even though he conceded he was in “opposition territory”.
“I’ve just been down here training with the girls … trying to hand over some forward craft wisdom,” he said.
“The girls went really well, so I’ve got the bug back. I haven’t been at training for about 13 years so I’m super excited to come down here and help out with the girls.
“Was a great session, hopefully it holds them in good stead come Sunday.
“I’m in opposition territory.”
The Magpies are languishing in last place on the AFLW ladder with just one win, but will fancy their chances of an upset against the 14th-placed Blues.
Fevola recently confirmed he is making yet another football comeback, signing with Essendon District Football League outfit, East Sunbury.
Since his AFL career ended, Fevola has played for a host of local clubs around Victoria, including a season in which he played for a new team every week in what was effectively a tour of exhibition matches.
He most famously played for Ovens and Murray powerhouse Yarrawonga in country Victoria between 2012 and 2015, twice kicking over 100 goals, and often credits the club with turning his life around after it spiralled during his time in Brisbane.
But he has not played a full season of open-age competitive footy since 2022, when he played with Southern League club, St Kilda City — albeit he has played over 35s Super Rules since then.
“And I know I’ve said I retired and I’m not coming back … (but) at the ripe old age of 43 — it’s very old, and by the time the footy season starts next year, I’ll be 44, so that’s old man status, I’m nearly in the over-45s, which is the next level up from the supers — I’m back. I am playing footy,” Fevola told Fox FM earlier this month.
“I have signed at a footy club for a full season, 16 games. Training, got to train on Thursdays. I am back.”