Former Adelaide and Geelong forward James Podsiadly always had an “itch” to start a business, even during his AFL career.

So much so that he started to slowly think about an idea to establish the nation's first immersive footy skills and entertainment centre while playing.

Now, seven years after hanging up his AFL boots, Podsiadly is co-owner and chief executive of Australia’s first AFL Max play centre.

Podsiadly opened the centre in 2019, together with prominent SA businessman Thomas Foods International Darren Thomas and Eddie Taylor.

Speaking to AFC Media, Podsiadly said he had combined a business degree with his AFL career and that had helped him develop the idea.

“It was actually an idea that came to me while I was playing and then conceptualised when I was coaching,” Podsiadly said.

“I used to see kids of players and coaches coming into the Crows facility and just having the best time being active. 

“So a lightbulb went off and I began to develop a model where we get kids to have fun and be active in an AFL Club style environment. The long story involves working with great people and a lot of planning.”

The now 41-year-old said AFL Max had come a long way since it first opened.

“We have evolved our offerings to more than just kids having fun, even though that’s the cornerstone of what we do,” Podsiadly said.

“We now do everything from overnight camps for schools to indoor footy comps to birthday parties to corporate events. 

“I think the success of the business is no doubt due to its people. 

“We have a great leadership team that have developed some great offerings and processes over the years.”

Podsiadly’s AFL career began in 2010 when Geelong picked him as a mature-age rookie.

He went on to win a flag with the Cats in 2011, before being traded to Adelaide at the end of 2013 and spent two seasons on the Crows’ list.

The former forward did not become a business mogul straight after retiring but moved into assistant coaching with the Crows.

“I loved my time coaching and working with the back line group during those two years,” Podsiadly said.

“I always loved high performance and I had gained a lot of knowledge playing at different levels and under different coaches so I wanted to pass some of that knowledge on. 

“But I always had the itch to start and lead a business, so I thought it was a good time to begin that journey. 

“It was tough to leave after losing a Grand Final and with a sense of unfinished business for that group but it was something I needed to do.”

Podsiadly, who played 83 AFL games for Geelong and 21 for the Crows, said he had fond memories from his time at both clubs.

 “I was very fortunate to get an opportunity at the age of 28 and from there I wanted to get the best out of myself and make an impact on the competition,” Podsiadly said.

“Being a part of some great teams I think I managed to achieve that.

“To be a part of the ultimate success with a bunch of your mates will live with me forever. 

“Playing with stars of the game like Rory Sloane and Tex Walker was great and we were fortunate to be the first Crows team to play home games at Adelaide Oval -the atmosphere in those first few games was electric.”