If you could pick anyone in the country to act as enforcer for the AFL’s strict code of compliance for a return to play, a former Wallabies prop would sit close to the top of the pile.

The imposing frame of Ben ‘Sheriff’ Daley sticks out from his perch on the balcony at RSEA Park, where he can be seen barking orders to ensure the rigid restrictions are enforced.

No less than 50 pages of protocols comprise the strict guidelines for St Kilda’s playing group and 25 approved footy staffers.

Not your run-of-the-mill prop, Daley completed a law degree and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 2018 while still a Melbourne Rebel.

So it was an obvious choice that the Saints’ Legal Counsel since then be asked to take on the role of COVID Compliance Officer.

Now, everyone answers to the self-titled ‘Sheriff’, Brett Ratten included.

Daley has the backing of an impressive rugby resume, including three Wallabies tests and a premiership with the Queensland Reds.

By his own admission, he “used to like butting heads with people”, so the role of COVID Compliance Officer couldn’t be more suited to the big rig.

As well as his obvious physical presence, Daley’s playing days also hold him in good stead when it comes to player relations.

“I know what resonated with me as a player,” he told saints.com.au.

“One of the biggest things has been the education aspect of what is and isn’t applicable in the protocols.

“So I’ve tried to tailor my messaging to the playing group to make sure that the communication resonates with a whole cross-section of different players.”

Daley will continue to closely monitor goings-on at RSEA Park as the Saints ramp up their training program before facing the Dogs on Sunday, 14 June.