Lions captain Rockliff, 26, is contracted for 2017 but has been linked to a move away from the club in the upcoming trade period in the wake of a disastrous season at the Lions in which they won just three games – leading to the sacking of coach Justin Leppitsch.

Fevola and Rockliff were briefly teammates during the former Carlton spearhead's ill-fated stay in Queensland from 2010 to 2011. But Fevola says he remains in contact with the midfielder, and is optimistic Rockliff will remain at the Gabba and help drive the club's rise back up the ladder.

"I know Rocky really well. He's a Benalla boy. I played a lot of footy up in Yarrawonga and we got on really well and still do," Fevola told Fairfax Media on Thursday as he geared up for his special comments role with Channel Seven at Friday night's EJ Whitten Legends game at Etihad Stadium.

"He's a great kid, great footballer, is obviously the captain. He loves it up in Brisbane," Fevola said.

"I think he's pretty happy up there. And this is his opportunity I suppose to lead them off the bottom of the ladder. He loves a challenge, great player, and I don't know personally what he wants to do, but I'm pretty sure he'll stay there."

Despite talk of friction between Leppitsch and some of his now former charges, Fevola said the coach had maintained the support of playing group until the end.

"Speaking to a few of the boys, they did love Leppa. But footy's a business these days, if you're not putting the wins on the board, the coach goes first."

Fevola floated the name of Hawthorn assistant Brett Ratten – a man who coached him at the Blues – as a possible replacement for Leppitsch, noting with a laugh how Ratten and now Lions-chief executive Greg Swann had been at the helm of Carlton when the dual Coleman medallist was sacked at the end of 2009.

Fevola also said he was excited for his TV appearance on Friday night, particularly looking forward to the prospect of a duel between former North Melbourne teammates Mick Martyn and Wayne Carey.

"Doing special comments is something I love doing," Fevola said.

"I think with these games, the content on the ground takes care of itself. A lot of blokes have blown out a lot! The bodies have changed."