Brendan Fevola reveals coaching ambition after cameo at Collingwood’s AFLW training

Brendan Fevola in black and white? It’s enough to make a Carlton fan ill. But, it might be the start of one of the more unlikely AFL coaching journeys.

Brendan Fevola the AFL coach?

Don’t rule it out.

The dual Coleman medallist has revealed what was supposed to be a punishment from Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly has the whet the appetite for him to pursue a coaching career.

Fevola, who will continue his playing career in Melbourne’s northwest with East Sunbury next year, was invited to train with Collingwood’s AFLW side by Kelly.

The 43-year-old said the session was the first time in 14 years he has trained and left him wanting more.

Brendan Fevola at Collingwood training.

Fevola says the experience made him think about a future in AFL coaching.

“Craig Kelly gave me that as a punishment and I loved it,” Fevola said.

“When I left I said, ‘can I please come back?’ Like literally, I said to the coach, ‘have me back?’”

The Carlton hall of famer said he initially “felt sick” about the prospect of joining the Magpies during a week where they play their traditional rivals.

But he “absolutely loved it” and said it had left him determined to consider a coaching career.

“I actually loved it and they got around me. I felt like I was one of the players. Hopefully I taught some of the girls some stuff,” he said on Fox FM.

Brendan Fevola on FOX FM.

“I got a few messages from the girls last night saying, ‘thank you so much’. It makes me want to be a coach. You wouldn’t understand how much I loved it.

“I was up and about all day yesterday. I haven’t trained, literally, for any team that I have played for in the last 14 years. Not once.”

Fevola has played for clubs across Victoria since his AFL career ended in 2010 and was formerly coach of Melton South in the Ballarat Football League.

He said his “heart is always going to be with Carlton”, although the unlikely offer to become a Magpie for a day could yet prove the start of the next chapter of his colourful time in football.

Originally published as Brendan Fevola reveals coaching ambition after cameo at Collingwood’s AFLW training