It has been nine years since Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich graced a football field, "technically".
Aside from a charity match 18 months ago, Pavlich was last seen kicking the Sherrin around during his final days as a Docker, which ended in 2016.
However, on Saturday, the incoming Sydney CEO will lace up the boots for the Beverley Redbacks League in the Avon Football and Netball Association in Western Australia for their final home and away match.
The much-improved Redbacks have gone from two wins and the wooden spoon last year to fourth place ahead of the finals.
However, Saturday's match-up against the Quairading Bulls League will determine who features in the finals.
Why? Pavlich is the last instalment of the 2025 Carlton Draft, which sends around former AFL stars to help bring communities together to support local footy and leave the clubs thriving on and off the field.
The 43-year-old will follow the likes of Tom Hawkins, Travis Cloke, Brett Deledio and Will Schofield this year.
"About nine years ago, since when I retired, really," Pavlich told Zero Hanger.
"I did play a charity game. Very much. A rough charity game. About 18 months ago was for a mental health game. But no, I mean, technically it's well over nine years, so it's a bit daunting, I must say. But yeah, looking forward to getting down there and having some fun.
"I've gone down and trained a little bit with the boys and had two training sessions with them. I just wanted to get to know them and meet them. So I feel like I'm relatively well prepared. But at the same time, as I said, it's been almost a decade since I played with competitive young footy players. So, you know, nervous at the same time."
Pavlich played 353 games for Fremantle, kicking 700 goals over 17 seasons. He also claimed six Doig Medals and six All-Australian blazers, among many other individual awards that make Sunday shopping lists look small.
Former players have had mixed bags (literally) when returning to the football field through the Carlton Draft campaign.
Adelaide and Melbourne midfielder Bernie Vince slotted eight goals when pulling on the Maryborough Rovers jumper.
Sydney superstar Josh Kennedy dominated for Muurabit, gathering over 40 disposals and kicking a major.
On the flip side, Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley injured his hamstring in the opening minutes of his clash for Nilma Darnum.
But this year was the first time the campaign went national, with Pavlich (WA) and Deledio (NSW) playing beyond the confines of Victoria.
