FORMER Essendon forward Scott Lucas will play in Myrtleford’s ­opening two home matches next season.

Lucas has agreed to play in the Ovens and Murray club’s Easter Sunday showdown against Lavington and Anzac Day clash against Wangaratta at Mc-Namara Reserve.

Saints officials were optimistic he would make more appearances during the season.

Lucas, pictured below, said last night he was looking forward to his first taste of O and M football.

“It’s just one of those things that came about through the footballing grapevine and I can’t wait to get to Myrtleford for a kick,” Lucas said.

“I’ll play the two games and take it from there.

“I’d like to play as much as I can, but that depends a lot on work commitments and things like that.”

Lucas, 35, retired from AFL in 2009 after playing 270 matches and kicking 471 goals for Essendon and spent the following two seasons with Greenvale in the ­Essendon District Football League before giving the game away.

He works as a player manager in Melbourne.

Myrtleford president Bill O’Donohue said the Saints were rapt to have secured Lucas for at least two matches.

“Scott’s been fantastic and he’s going to be a big help on and off the ground for a small club like us,” O’Donohue said.

“He’s still in good shape and will be fantastic in regards to attracting members and sponsors.”

Lucas’s career highlights include playing in Essendon’s 2000 flag, winning best and fairests in 2003 and 2006 and taking out the club’s goalkicking in 2006.

On Easter Sunday, a huge crowd is expected at Myrtleford with the prospect of Lucas lining up on recently retired St Kilda player and Lavington recruit Justin ­Koschitzke.