In a week and season where prominent retirements have been all the talk, soon-to-be-51 Russell Klein is proud to be travelling in the other direction.
He's made the call to step back out of retirement and lace the boots up again for the Pittsworth Danes.
Seven years after winning his first and only grand final at the age of 44, Klein once more has the hunger for premiership glory.
If he can achieve the objective, the Danes' C Grade super-sub will do so alongside sons Jayden (25, above right) and Jai (24, above left).
"Both my boys weren't doing anything at the start of the season and were just sitting around at home, so I said 'Why don't we do it?'," says Klein.
"We probably won't ever get another chance.
"How many blokes get the chance to play footy with their two sons? It's the best thing you can do.
"That's what memories are about. Go out with your family and have a laugh and a good time, put some shots on in defence and cop a few back."
A grader driver in Millmerran, Russell drives an 80km round trip for training runs with the Danes.
He previously played for the Millmerran Rams and Inglewood Roosters, but makes it clear that he regards his sons as the talented footballers, not himself.
"Both boys played reserve grade with Wattles last year, but I honestly think they could be A Graders if they put their hearts and minds to it," says Klein.
"When I thought they may not play at all this year, I was a bit disappointed.
"They're pretty decent footballers and should be playing up a few levels. It's just a matter of whether they want it or not."
North Queensland Cowboys fan Russell revealed he had received a black eye in a head clash last week, but wouldn't be complaining too loudly about it.
"My partner is okay with me playing, but she's told me I can't moan and whinge about it when I'm sore," he says.
