Groth plans AFL cameo

SAM Groth is considering trading in his racquet for a Sherrin.

Groth, who will retire from tennis after next month’s Australian Open, has revealed he is planning a return to local football.

The big-serving Australian played in the Eastern Football League for Vermont’s reserves side during a break from tennis in 2011, and said a recent inhouse kick at Tennis Australia with ex-Roo Wayne Carey, former Saint Justin Koschitzke, ex-Crow Ben Rutten and games record holder Brent Harvey has led to a potential revival of his local footy career.

Harvey, who played 432 games for North Melbourne before he left the club at the end of 2016, played this season at North Heidelberg and could be joined by Groth in 2018 – after some work on his boot.

“(Harvey) may have asked me if I was planning on having a kick of the footy next year,” Groth said on SEN.

“I can mark the ball, but my kicking sometimes leaves a lit- tle bit to be desired. I’m definitely thinking about having a bit of a run down at North Heidelberg next year.”

MEANWHILE Bernard Tomic has pulled out of qualifying for the Brisbane International.

Tomic was listed to play in the 16-man qualifying event from Saturday but has had his name crossed from the draw on the ATP Tour website.

Tournament officials are aware of the move but are yet to be told of the reason behind the one-time world No.17’s decision.