DEMONS’ FRENCH REVOLUTION

THE body might not be too able but the mind is willing as Clinton French makes his comeback to the TSL on Saturday.

The North Hobart coach will don the red and blue as a player for the first time in the grudge match against Clarence at Blundstone Arena. French made his name as a speedy forward for Glenorchy, most notably in a best afield performance in the Magpies’ 2016 premiership team.

But he has not played since 2019 and did not intend to return to the field when he took over the coaching role before necessity required he step in to help guide his young Demon chargers.

“We obviously didn't know who was going to leave and we still had some older bodies,” French said.

“Also, we have some guys coming through and started to develop top-end talent but I probably feel there is a bit of a gap there on the leadership side and someone to help out on the ground.

“You are a long time retired and I just want to help them more than anything if I can.

“If I can help those guys and get that train track going a little bit quicker because I’m out there trying to help them set up, hopefully that works.

“I’m not there to play every game, I’m just there to play when I can.”

French, 32, with 17 years of senior footy, has been training all along but a couple of injury niggles delayed his return to the ground.

The Demons (1-4) are again on the rebuild and face a Roos side with a sprinkling of former North Hobart players that has increased the tension between the clubs.