Heavily scrutinised ex-North Melbourne speedster Jared Polec will pull the football boots on for the first time since his AFL delisting at the end of 2022 for Hoppers Crossing in the WFNL.
After his exit from Arden Street with one year left on his deal, Polec signed as a playing assistant coach with the Yarraville Seddon Eagles in the WFNL ahead of 2023, but failed to play a game.
He moved to rivals, Hoppers Crossing, as the senior coach at the end of the year, and led the club to a premiership in 2024, pipping Werribee Districts by one point in a grand final thriller.
Polec has yet to play for Hoppers but has been announced as a playing-coach in 2026, returning to the football field for the first time in four years.
"We're excited to announce Jared Polec has signed on as a Player & Coach for the upcoming season," the statement read.
"Bringing elite-level experience, leadership and professionalism, Jared will play a key role both on the field and in driving standards, development and performance across the playing group.
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"A major addition to our club on and off the park.
"Go Warriors."
The left footer exited the AFL at the end of 2022, following three stints at the Kangaroos, Port Adelaide and Brisbane, spanning 12 seasons and 148 games.
Hoppers Crossing bowed out in the second round of the 2025 finals to Yarraville Seddon Eagles by eight points after finishing fourth on the ladder.
They kick off their new campaign against Point Cook Centrals in front of a home crowd on April 11.
