THERE ARE FEW names in the world of AFL quite as big as Chris Judd. Two-time Brownlow Medalist, Premiership Player and Australian Football Hall of Fame Inductee are just a few of the accolades that Judd has collected across his career.
In a guest lecture delivered to Carlton College of Sport students, Judd reflected on his time playing football and the lessons he’s learnt since hanging up the boots.
How did you find the transition after footy into work?
A lot of players leave the game and struggle with where they fit in the social hierarchy afterwards. When you’re a high-profile footy player and are in the news and getting given all sorts of incredible opportunities, you’re benefitting from being high up in the social hierarchy. One of the challenges players can face when they look to start a new career path post footy, particularly if it’s in an industry outside of football is that their level of competence in the new field is worthy of a graduate job akin to that applied for by people just finishing their education in their early 20’s which is sometimes in conflict with where they sat in the social hierarchy only months before when they were still playing football.
I think that if ex-players are able to embrace the idea that their ego might take a hit but they can begin a new path and a steep learning curve again then there outcomes are better than players who hold out for a job they feel is better for their ego but beyond what they’re capable of in the short term.
What’s a lesson that you learned while playing AFL?
One of the best things I discovered during my footy career is the difference between following best practice and creating your own path. For example, if you just follow the off-season training program that every other player follows, or the same training methods that every other club is doing you’re not giving yourself or the team to improve at a more rapid rate than others. Doing things differently, going above and beyond, is what separates the great teams from the good.
How did you find your draft year?
In the leadup to draft testing I was thinking ahead about what I could do to succeed in each of the different skills they test. I broke it down into smaller goals to make sure I did the best that I could. I wanted to work hard and work harder than other people. I learned early on that if you’re committed and dedicate yourself, you’ll see the results.
How did injuries affect you?
It’s just part of playing sport but it is the hardest thing about being a professional athlete. There is no real way to avoid injuries when you become a professional athlete, particularly when you’re playing a contact sport like AFL. Staying motivated when injure can be tricky but I found breaking weeks down into shorter time frames, with shorter achievable goals was a good way of feeling like you were still achieving something even if you couldn’t be on the training track. I loved playing footy and I just had to push through.
I am thankful that I don’t have to put my body through that physical toll now!
Is there a player that you’ve mentored who you’ve enjoyed watching?
I have loved watching Patrick Cripps develop as a player. He was there for about 18 months while I was still playing. I gave him the advice that if you only follow the program that everyone else is doing, you won’t be the best. You’ve got to go over and above.
How did you identify what you should do in your career after footy?
You have to understand yourself. Take personality tests and examine yourself more closely, then you’ll start to understand what you’re suited to. Then you can start to think about what that means for you in the real world. Do what excites you!