Essendon legend Dyson Heppell believes this year's huge influx of retired AFL stars making cameos for Tasmanian clubs can only be a shot in the arm for community football.
A big crowd packed out Bridgenorth on Saturday to watch the former Bombers skipper put on a five-goal treat in the 70-point NTFA division one win over Old Scotch.
With the Parrots up by just four points at the main break, Heppell went forward for big stints in the second half and kicked four of his five majors.
The 33-year-old was mobbed by fans for autographs and pictures in the packed dressing sheds afterwards as the Parrots moved to 3-0 to start the season.
Heppell played 253 games for Essendon and was named in the 2014 All Australian team, but left nothing in the tank for Bridgenorth.
Coincidentally his home club, Leongatha, is the only other football club in the country nicknamed the Parrots.
Heppell also played a game for Latrobe earlier this month.
It follows the appearance of Richmond premiership stars Trent Cotchin and Brandon Ellis in North Launceston's clash with Longford last week, and fellow former Tiger Kamdyn McIntosh for the Bombers' showdown with Launceston the week before.
Geelong legend Gary Ablett played in Glenorchy's opening round SFL clash this year and will return to Tasmania for Ulverstone for their NWFL clash with Wynyard on May 30.
Another Brownlow medallist, Collingwood champion Dane Swan, will play a one-off game for North Launceston against arch rivals Launceston at UTAS Stadium on June 27.
Three-time Hawthorn premiership player Paul Puopolo is pencilled in for NWFA team Turners Beach's match-up with Sheffield on May 9, while Carlton sharpshooter Brendan Fevola will line up for SFL team Sorell against Claremont on May 23.
"The Tassie community in general are staunch footy fans, it's good to come down and share some of the wisdom we picked up over the course of our careers," Heppell said after Saturday's clash.
"To get around the young tackers who come and support as well, that's the joy of it. For me to be able to give back to local clubs and communities in general is a real privilege."
Heppell's contribution to Bridgenorth on and off field got rave reviews from the club.
"The community feel is amazing down here, they're amazing people to keep the club going with a 100 year history," he said.
"I did my bit for the team and managed to get on the end of a couple as we got into the second half. I enjoyed it."
Bridgenorth put the foot down in the second half, kicking 14 goals to three.
"I just wanted to come out and have fun and enjoy the day, it's a great turnout," Heppell said.
"The second half was incredible so the boys have obviously put in a lot of work.
"They're very well coached and well drilled, once they stuck to the game plan in the second half it really opened it up."
The only blip was a Parrots fan's Collingwood ringtone blaring through the sheds the very second Heppell started to address the team.
"Thank you for welcoming me into the club, I had an absolute ball," he told them.
"Hopefully the boys get the choccies for the rest of the year and I'll be following on with intent. Up the Parrots."
MATCH WRAP: Dons great puts on masterclass in Parrots win
Former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell put on a second Tasmanian clinic for this month after his five goal masterclass propelled Bridgenorth to a commanding 19.10 (124) to 8.6 (54) NTFA division one win over Old Scotch on Saturday.
With the Parrots up by just four points at half-time, Heppell lit up Bridgenorth Oval with three goals and a goal assist in the third term as the hosts broke the game open.
They kicked ten unanswered goals either side of three quarter time, and 14 goals to three after the major break, to overrun their rivals for a second straight week and improve to 3-0.
Heppell, who also booted three goals and had 42 touches for Latrobe earlier in April, played midfield initially but once the Parrots got on top the run amok up forward with key target Rohan Sergeant.
Sergeant also booted five to take his season tally to a remarkable 22 in just three games.
Parrots coach Zach Griffiths praised Heppell's professionalism and willingness to do everything possible for the club, on and off the field.
The highlight was a brilliant goal deep in the pocket in the last quarter.
"From a club point of view he's been great, and jeez he's still got it as well," Griffiths said.
"That goal in the pocket, it just shows his talent.
"It's been a great weekend because he was here with Auskick last night as well. The people he drew in and taking signatures and photos, you forget how much playing one game can impact your footy club.
"You probably forget how famous AFL palyers are. He hasn't missed, from touchdown yesterday afternoon to going out for dinner with our committee and pre game autographs.
Griffiths was rapt with his side's more positive play after half-time
"They've got some strong mids in (Fletcher) Seymour and (John) McKenzie and we let them get on top too much," he said.
"We're trying a new system of breaking old habits of long down the line and want to move the ball more positively.
"After halftime we started moving the way we wanted to play, which allowed Dyson to roll forward and we didn't need him in the guts.
"They (Heppell and Sergeant) worked really well together. I've learned I can play two deep potentially, although I won't have the luxury of having Dyson Heppell."
In other division one games Lilydale accounted for Hilwood by 59 points, Bracknell beat George Town by 50 and Rocherlea belted St Pats by 83.