Battered former Lion Josh Drummond has creaked back into Queensland after an overseas holiday and is anxious to start the next chapter of his life.
What that will be, the one-time Maroochydore Roo does not know yet - although he is certain it will involve footy.
Drummond - with a push from Brisbane - called time on his career in September after 97 senior games over nine seasons for his childhood club.
The stint left him broken physically, but never mentally.
In the end it was a lingering hip injury that convinced the club and ultimately Drummond that his career was over.
Lions coach Michael Voss said at the time that his former player had a football brain tuned to coaching.
Brisbane-based Drummond is already investigating that pathway through post-graduate studies in sports science and coaching.
"I'm keen to get involved in coaching and development. It's something I'm really keen on," he said.
"I've been studying that for a few years and I'm hoping something will pop up in the region."
Maroochydore is yet to announce a replacement for seniors coach Roger Delaney.
Drummond, who plans to marry fiancée Jenna at Noosa in December, says he may be interested in such a role, which is part-time.
"I'm looking first and foremost to get a full-time coaching job, but if that falls through, then I will have a look at an option like that," he said.
Drummond admitted that he had initially wanted to prolong his career.
Even after the club told him that its medical report card on him was dire, he still resisted.
"I needed to get a second opinion from different specialists about the hip. You're a long time retired," he said.
"Having that closure. The doctors were right."
Article written by Mark Bode for the Sunshine Coast Daily.
Last Modified on 03/12/2012 09:59