Melton South joint coach Sean Triplett believes Brendan Fevola would still have something to offer in the AFL if he was able to get himself fit enough.
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While Triplett acknowledged it would be a big call – Fevola turns 37 next January – he has no doubt his coaching partner at the Panthers still had what it took to make an impact at the top level.
“If he got into shape, he’d be worth a shot as a rookie.
"What would a club have to lose.”
A Collingwood supporter has petition running on change.org titled “Bring Fev to the Pies”.
While the petition is calling for the Magpies to get Fevola on board now – something which could not happen even if the Ballarat Football League’s new drawcard was at the peak of his powers as the AFL does not allow mid-season changes to lists – he has bought into the idea.
“Seriously, if I started training now, they got me fit, I got myself fit, and went there and did a pre-season, go on a rookie list...” he said in a media report on Thursday.
“...it would be for the start of next year so I've got nearly a full season to get myself fit, which I can do because I've been fit before.
“Come back and play a season of AFL, why not? End my career in a Collingwood jumper."
Fevola played 204 games with Carlton (187) and Brisbane (17) in 13 years from 1999, kicking 623 goals, He left the AFL at the end of 2011 after two controversial years with the Lions and has since become a major drawcard playing country and metropolitan football.
He is in his first season with Melton South, which after not winning a game last year has two wins in three outings with Fevola heading up a swag of high profile recruits.
While there is a certain amount of tough-in-cheek in the “Bring Fev to the Pies” discussion and a massive long shot that it would come to fruition, Triplett says Fevola could still play at the highest level.
"Forget age. That’s just a number. It's all about ability and inner fortitude.
”He’s never had major injury worries either.”
Triplett said he had no doubt that if an offer was made Fevola would have the resolve to put his mind to the task of getting fit enough to give it a go.
“He’s good for the game and he loves the game.”
Fevola has kicked 16.26 for Melton South this season, including 5.10 in the Panthers’ loss to North Ballarat City on Tuesday.
Ironically, it is not out of the question that Collingwood football general manager Geoff Walsh will be on hand to see Fevola in action in coming weeks.
Walsh’s son Jake is set to make his debut for Melton South against Sebastopol under lights at Marty Busch Reserve on Saturday, May 6.
