Nathan Wright played for St Kilda Football Club between 2013-2018, before an injury sidelined his career prematurely.
Now, he has gone on to join another stellar team, as a sales executive with Barry Plant Bayside, turning a hobby he held while playing in the AFL to a thriving career.
“While playing AFL, I was lucky enough to purchase a couple of properties and be closely involved in those transactions. Intrigued, I started pouring over the main industry websites and carefully watching the market. It became an absorbing hobby,” Mr Wright said.
“During my last year of football I did an agent’s representative course part time while I was still playing, and also did some work experience in real estate in my last six weeks with the St Kilda Football Club. I got a real taste of the industry and absolutely loved it.”
His competitive streak has carried over to his new profession.
“I wanted something post-football that was going to challenge and interest me, and real estate seemed to be the perfect fit.
“The leaders at Barry Plant have a really strong vision for where they want to be in the future and a plan for how to get there. That was really appealing to me and something I wanted to be part of,” Mr Wright continued.
“They have such a great team – both agents, property managers and support staff and have created a really good culture and working environment.”
Barry Plant Bayside is part of a common ownership group with other offices in Mentone, Mordialloc and Dingley Village.
“Having that AFL background really helped me transition into real estate, and there are some genuine similarities between high level sport and working in the property industry,” Mr Wright said.
“You have to be self-motivated and determined, and focused on sticking to
a routine and structure. My first property sale was so exciting – it was a bit similar to game day where you get that adrenaline rush and have those nerves and then get to celebrate success.
“It’s something I want to do over and over again.”
