Robertson, 35, kicked 111 goals in 20 games in his one season for the Swans and returns to the league — at this stage in just a one-off appearance — a Bear.

Robertson spent the past two years as Geelong club St Joseph’s playing coach.

Shepparton hosts premiership fancy and Deakin Reserve co-tenant Shepparton United tonight.

Robertson will again have fellow ex-AFL talent with him. Former North Melbourne and Hawthorn defender Jonathan Hay will play all year for the Bears.

‘‘I remember it being pretty fiery early on and there was a lot of angst towards the Swans at the time, with the AFL pick-ups,’’ Robertson said.

‘‘It’s a different scenario this time around. Everyone knows where the Bears are coming from and it’s all about creating interest within their own leagues.

‘‘It’s bloody hard out there for country teams. Blokes like (Brownlow medallist Jason) Akermanis have injected cash flow into local football and it’s a good thing seeing AFL guys go back.’’

Robertson said his Melbourne commitments and a desire to play as often as possible for home club Burnie in Tasmania meant he could commit to just one Shepparton game at the moment.

His Bears cameo came about due to Peter Maynard’s connection to Shepparton and the AFL Demons.

Maynard played eight games for Melbourne and is the club’s commercial operations general manager.

‘‘It’s going to be really good and, obviously, a big crowd is expected,’’ Robertson said.

‘‘The GV is a very good standard of football and I know how good United has been and still is.

‘‘I’m sure the Bears will be happy to put in a good performance against them and if I can help in that regard then that’s what I’ll do.’’

Robertson played 228 matches for Melbourne and kicked 428 goals.