DAMIEN Lock will trade his coaching board for boxing gloves on Saturday night's professional boxing showcase Battle on the Goldfields II.
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Lock, who is coaching Loddon Valley Football Netball League team Marong this season, comes up against Queenslander Cameron Kaddour in a light heavyweight contest over four rounds.
It will be the one-time AFL midfielder with Carlton's first bout since a successful pro-debut at Battle on the Goldfields I in November last year.
Lock won a split points decision against fellow Victorian Bradley Weaire in one of the night's most entertaining duels.
He conceded he knew little about his opponent, who will be making his professional debut.
"I gather he has a bit of amateur experience and I know he's orthodox, but I'll be going in a bit blind," Lock said.
"It's a bit difficult, the last fight I had I watched a bit of footage of the guy and had an idea what to expect, so this one will be a bit different in that regard.
"I'll just come prepared and be ready for anything."
"(The preparation) has been good, I've worked pretty hard coming into this one, (and) I'm really looking forward to it.
"It's going to be a big night up there at Bendigo Stadium, so hopefully I can put my best foot forward and put on a good show."
The Lock-Kaddour fight will be the final event on the eight-bout card.
Lock is trained by Tribe Boxing Bendigo's and good mate Scott Tuddenham at his Whipstick Forest gym.
"He's put a heap of time into myself and the guys and girls out there at the moment," he said.
"It's disappointing he's not fighting on this card because of his wrist injury.
"But he's a brilliant coach and he's done a lot for me, it's great having him in my corner."
Lock's playing career with Marong has been on hold since a round three win against Pyramid Hill, highlighted by a five goal haul from his former Blues teammate Brendan Fevola.
He intends returning for the Panthers' round 10 clash against Newbridge.
They remain on track for finals, currently fifth on four wins, two wins ahead of sixth-placed Inglewood.
The Panthers could well do with Lock's on-field presence on Saturday, for their encounter against undefeated Bridgewater at Malone Park.
"We want to bounce back from last week, we were pretty ordinary against Cailvil United," Lock said.
"Bridgewater is a massive test for everyone in the league, but we'll have a crack at them and see where it takes us."
Lock is anticipating a massive night at Bendigo Stadium.
"I have a lot of friends and family coming on the night - it's going to be a really good crowd," he said.
"I don't want to let anyone down."
