The deal, which is currently in an advanced stage, would see the former Coleman Medallist pull on the red and white within the first three rounds of the competition.

However, The Area News has learned a "wildcard" could be played, with Fevola understood to be on the radar of at least one AFL club ahead of the national draft.

If the 31-year-old is selected to resume his AFL career it would scuttle Swans' officials dreams of having the high-profile forward grace Exies Oval.

However, Griffith president George Duncan was confident they would land their man saying it could be a shot in the arm for the club and the game.

"That's part of the reason of doing this to promote the game and to try and get other people in to support the club, not just Aussie rules people," Duncan said.

"We're battling with other codes, but hopefully people will want to come and see this guy because he has been to the top."

Club legend Bob Spears was the catalyst for the move, reaching out to Fevola's people six weeks before the end of the RFL season.

However, the matter of Fevola's appearance fee had to be settled with Duncan saying the club covered itself just in case the spearhead is unable to take his place in the side, with a refund clause written into the contract.

The 2013 RFL draw is yet to be finalised, but Duncan said the club will do everything its power to maximise the marketing potential of the showdown.

"We're going to try and play the game on a Sunday, so hopefully we can be the only Aussie rules game in the RFL on that day," Duncan said.

"So we're looking to draw people as well from the Northern Riverina Football League to come to town to watch the game and the western half of the Riverina and even from Wagga.

"Because Leeton and Griffith always have good crowds, and hopefully if both teams can win their first game they can come here unbeaten, and having Fevola in the side it'll bring people from all over."

Despite his well-publicised history of off-field behaviour, Fevola was a model clubman at the Yarrawonga Pigeons, who he helped to an Ovens and Murray flag this year.

"The reports we've heard was that he was good with the juniors down there and after they won the grand final, he actually went back to the club a week later for their end of season break-up, which is a good sign," Duncan said.

The Area News contacted Fevola's manager Marty Pask to clarify his client's status for the upcoming AFL draft, he did not return calls before deadline.