Ben Graham is returning to AFL ranks as a strategic football operations manager for the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun
FORMER Geelong captain Ben Graham hopes to impart his "unique experience" as an AFL and NFL player in a new role at Western Bulldogs.
Returning to the AFL after eight years as a punter in American football, Graham has joined the Bulldogs as strategic football operations manager.
Graham, 39, returned to Australia in October after receiving a settlement from the Detroit Lions as a result of a calf injury at the start of the season.
His broad role with the Bulldogs will involve projects that include setting up the club's stand-alone VFL team for 2014.
Graham, the first Australian to play in an NFL Super Bowl, said: "It's exactly the role I was looking for to get back into the AFL landscape - it will encompass all areas of the football club.
"It's a unique experience that I've had. The point of difference living and breathing the NFL, its practice, the environment, is invaluable.
"(I'll be) using my experiences and knowledge to help the Bulldogs in the right direction."
Graham, who has not officially retired from the NFL, said he would go back to the US - with the Bulldogs' blessing - should he receive a late offer to return this season.
However, he said, he was not expecting it.
"Mentally I have retired, officially I haven't," he said.
"If I do get the call here in the next couple of weeks to go back and finish out this season, then I have got the Bulldogs' support.
"I've had interest to come over and prove that I'm healthy and to work out, but I'm not going back unless there is a legitimate opportunity to punt for a team on their way to the playoffs.
"But I'm not expecting that to happen. I'm looking forward to starting work (today) and getting my teeth into my new role."
Graham, who played with the NFL's New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals, said coaching was an interest and his Bulldogs role was perfect to make the transition back into the AFL.
"I didn't want the assistant-coaching track because I've been out of the game eight years, so that wasn't going to come straight to me," he said.
Graham joins an off-field Bulldogs team peppered with international experience.
High-performance manager Graham Lowe is from Scottish rugby and strength coach Andy Barnett worked with the NFL's Giants.
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