Hawthorn premiership player Trent Croad training with WRFL club Altona

He retired from the AFL ranks after the 2009 season and has not been seen at suburban level for several years, but Trent Croad is pushing for a return to the footy field.

Trent Croad celebrates Hawthorn’s 2008 flag with Campbell Brown.

Hawthorn premiership player Trent Croad is pushing for a shock return to the footy field.

The 39-year-old is training with Western Region Football League Division 1 club Altona and coach Saade Ghazi said the former AFL star could feature for the Vikings later in the campaign.

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A question mark remains over Croad’s fitness after he sustained a broken foot in Hawthorn’s 2008 grand final triumph and he has not played at suburban level for several seasons.

“He moved into Altona and made contact with us and myself,” Ghazi said.

“He’s just going to see how the body’s going to be, to be honest.

“It’s just a wait and see to see how it all comes up.

“If he did play, he would have to play a few games in the reserves before we would consider him for senior selection.

“We have a structure in place that we’re not going to throw out of the door. We have an obligation to our current group … so we wouldn’t change that for anyone who comes into our footy club.”

Trent Croad made 222 appearances for the Hawks and Fremantle.

Croad has been training with the Vikings in recent weeks but will not play this weekend.

He made 222 appearances for the Hawks and Fremantle at the top level and was selected in the 2005 All-Australian team.

Ghazi said Croad’s “attitude has been really good”, adding he was in attendance for the club’s clash against rival Spotswood on Saturday.

“We’re always open to anybody who wants to come to our footy club,” Ghazi said.

“We’re a community club. I think we have that responsibility, I guess, to give everyone an opportunity.

“For me, age is no barrier, as long as they fit into our structure and they want to do the work.”

While conceding Croad faced an uphill battle because of his age, Ghazi said the break from the field could work in his favour.

Croad’s experience could also prove crucial later in the season for the Division 1 flag contender if he progresses strongly.

“He might be 39, but maybe he is not 39 in footy years … so it could be a good thing,” Ghazi said.

“But there’s a lot of water to go into the bridge.”

Altona has three former AFL-listed players in their squad — Jayden Post (Richmond), Patrick Rose and Luke Goetz (both Western Bulldogs).

The Vikings sit fifth on the ladder with a 2-1 record and will meet powerhouse Deer Park this weekend.

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