Brendon Goddard has revealed he was sounded out by Carlton last month about a potential AFL comeback after being delisted by Essendon.
Goddard's achievements on and off the field were recognised on Tuesday night when he won the AFL Players' Association's Madden Medal.
The medal is awarded to a player who retired the year before for a range of criteria, including his on-field career, personal development and community spirit.
A 334-game veteran for St Kilda and Essendon, Goddard's decorated career ended last August when the Bombers informed him he would not be offered a new contract.
The two-time All-Australian retired in early-December but was linked to a possible move to Carlton when their co-captain Sam Docherty tore his ACL days later.
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However it wasn't until last month when Goddard was approached by the Blues, who gained an extra spot to fill on their list when Tom Bugg retired on February 1.
"I did speak to a club in particular and it was actually later in the piece - it was post-January," Goddard said.
"Footy was pretty quiet then. I think it was November when Docherty went down so it wasn't around that time as everyone was suggesting.
"It didnt really eventuate anyway. I was struggling to get my head around it after not too much for three or four months and putting on a bit of weight and not training just because I knew I didn't have to."
The Blues ultimately filled their vacant spots when they signed mature-aged player Michael Gibbons and rookie Matt Cottrell.
Having flown overseas and removed himself from the AFL bubble, Goddard had been unaware of the new supplemental selection period rule allowing clubs to sign players up until March 15 - a week before the start of the AFL season.
"I went 's**t, I'd better get myself somewhat fit'," Goddard joked.
"But that kind of fizzled out anyway. When I was approached I was hoping that it didn't eventuate so that I wouldn't have to be made to make a decision.
"Thankfully it didn't and the decision was made for me."
While known as a straight-talker throughout his career, Goddard - who is set to take up a radio commentary role - is looking forward to being able to speak without restraint in retirement.
The former Bombers captain took out the award ahead of fellow nominees Cyril Rioli, Bernie Vince, Eric Mackenzie and Lee Spurr.
Goddard was recognised for his work with Maddie Riewoldt's Vision and the Purple Bombers, a group that aims to create a safe environment for LGBTIQ football supporters.
