Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has ruled out luring Nick Dal Santo to the club as an assistant for 2017, saying the North Melbourne veteran wants to extend his AFL playing career.

The Kangaroos dropped a bombshell earlier this week when they revealed Dal Santo, Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, and Michael Firrito wouldn’t be offered new deals for next season.

Dal Santo has played 320 games over his illustrious career, and formed a strong bond with Lyon during their five years together at St Kilda.

There was talk the 32-year-old might join Lyon at the Dockers in a coaching capacity next season.

But Lyon said that wasn’t on the cards.

“I spoke to Nick yesterday. I spoke to him as a friend. He’s pretty keen to play on I think,” Lyon said on Friday.

“So your information is different to mine.

“We’re not bringing any coaches in. We’re really happy with our team.”

With Fremantle about to embark on a big list clean out in preparation for their rebuild, they won’t be making a move for Dal Santo in a playing capacity either.

Dal Santo has missed just one game this season, averaging 24.5 disposals in what has been a consistent year.

Harvey has been the best out of the veteran quartet.

The 38-year-old has averaged 21 disposals and booted 34 goals in 2016.

With 430 matches to his name, Harvey is the league’s games record holder and one of the most respected players in the AFL.

Harvey says he will wait until the end of the season before exploring his options for next year.