TEN years after being selected as a top-five draft pick, Jarrad Grant moves into life after AFL footy with a resume listing two AFL clubs, two delistings, just 95 games but no regrets.
The enigmatic forward was told this week that his two-year stint with Gold Coast was over after spending the preceding eight years teasing the Western Bulldogs with his undoubted talent.
Despite not realising his full potential in a decade at the highest level, Grant told AFL.com.au he moved onto the next phase of his life proud of what he had achieved.
"To be around 10 years and only have a nine-game average per season, you could say I've battled through my career, but to me it's nothing to be disappointed in," Grant said.
"You look at all the blokes trying to play League footy, so to play 95 games and kick 94 goals is an achievement in itself.
"I've been pretty resilient hanging around for a decade, had some good moments, some downers, but overall, it's been fantastic.
"But I don't think I have anything to offer at AFL level being 28 now with most clubs looking to play the kids."
With the Suns looking to invest more games into a young list boasting plenty of high draft picks, Grant was well prepared for his fate after playing just one game in a season ruined by injuries and indifferent form.
He only played 14 games in his time on the Gold Coast, but during his 81 appearances in the red, white and blue, many confused his laconic nature with a lack of intensity and care.
He concedes being taken with pick five in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft was "a burden" early in his time at Whitten Oval, but Grant blames an inability to add weight to his naturally light frame and to master the "graveyard" position of the half-forward flank for limiting a once-promising career.
Lightning quick off the mark, the Frankston product also possesses a strong pair of hands, but standing at just 193cm and still only weighing 85 kgs, Grant was never going to a fill the shoes of the then recently retired club great Chris Grant when he arrived at the Bulldogs.
"I've had some patches of good form but I haven't been consistent enough for long enough," he said.
"That's why the great players do the job week in, week out.
"I was never going to become a key forward."
"I've barely put on a kilo since I arrived at the Western Bulldogs, so it's just unfortunate doing weights doesn't help some body types.
While his playing days didn't go to plan, Grant now hopes to forge a career in coaching, and already has his manager canvassing clubs across the AFL.
He told Gold Coast in his exit meeting he would love to remain at Metricon Stadium in that capacity, and help a club that is focused on success.
"If coaching doesn't work out I've got some qualifications in real estate, so I'll think I'll explore that," he said.
"I'll also have a kick somewhere next year, and some opportunities will arise when local clubs finish up their seasons."
