More than a decade has passed since Brad Symes made the switch from Port Adelaide to crosstown rival Adelaide but the decision was one the former defender had no regrets about.
Symes, who played 20 AFL games for the Power from 2004-2007, was traded to the Crows ahead of the 2008 season.
The now 37-year-old spoke on The Crows Radio Show and reflected on that decision with Sauce and Thomo.
“It was a little bit easier for me because when you go from Port to the Crows you go from having 10 per cent of South Australians love you and 90 per cent hate you,” Symes said.
“Then all of a sudden, 90 per cent of the population love you and only 10 per cent hate you - so it was a little bit easier to go that way.
“I guess I could see moving forward I was not in Chocco’s best (team) at the time, so I thought I’d be a better chance across the road with Craigy.
“I’m pretty happy I made that decision.”
The Magarey Medallist, two-time SANFL premiership player and 80-game AFL player was, however, forced to hang up his footy boots early due to concussion-related injuries.
But although some footballers struggle with life once they exit the bubble, Symes has thrived in the finance world.
The father-of-two is a founding partner of Stellan Capital - a national private wealth management firm.
Symes conceded he was always worried about where his life would go after footy but found a passion for the finance world while in the system.
“I finished (AFL) in 2012, so unbelievably I’ve been out of the game - I’ve been out longer than I was in it, it goes pretty quick,” Symes said.
“I’ve transitioned from footy to finance maybe eight or nine years ago, enjoying that, having my own business, a couple of kids and that keeps me busy.
“I spent my entire career probably worrying about inevitably when I get delisted, what am I going to do?
“But the whole time I was in the (footy) system I studied.
“I had a finance degree form Adelaide Uni and I met a few people from the industry so I kind of had an idea of where I wanted to go.”
Symes also encouraged players to have other interests outside of the game and said that was vital in transitioning to life after footy.
Tune in this Sunday at 9am on Triple M Adelaide for the next instalment of Sauce and Thomo.
