Suckling signed with Ormond Amateur Football Club this week as assistant coach.

It comes after he announced his retirement from the AFL last month after a decorated 178-game career.

Suckling's junior club, East Wagga-Kooringal, did try to lure him back to the region but the opportunity to set himself up in the next phase of his life was too good to refuse.

Ormond AFC president Richard Simon was thrilled to welcome Suckling to the club.

"We can't wait to see Matt execute his long left bombs at EE Gunn Reserve in 2021," Simon wrote.

"Matt is looking forward to returning to a district footy club, an environment with which he has fond memories from his early football days in Wagga Wagga before being recruited to the AFL.

"Matt will also be an assistant coach, and his knowledge, skills and behaviours will be important and valuable additions for the senior playing group."

Ormond is coached by Greg 'Reggie' Hoskin and did not play last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club bowed out in the preliminary final of the 2019 season, playing in the Premier C competition.

Suckling will join former Hawthorn teammate Max Bailey at the club, where he is the under 19 coach.

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