After seven years as an AFL player for the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, Nathan Hrovat has transitioned seamlessly into a part-time role at the club. 

In August Hrovat learned that his playing career at the Roos’ had come to an end. Just days later, an opportunity to work at the club arose.

“I’ve moved into a part-time role doing football operations,” Hrovat told North Media.

“It’s basically a fancy term for footy ops [operations]. Laura Kane (North head of football operations) delegates stuff to me and I work on budgeting and soft cap spending among other things.

“I’ve also been working a bit with the AFLW team. The girls have just gone through the draft process so we’re preparing for the season ahead.”

His new role, not a spur of the moment decision.

“I’ve always been conscious of life after football. And started preparing quite early on,” he said.

“Thankfully over the course of the last 18 or 24 months I have been doing bits and pieces with Laura Kane and the [North] media team, just exploring what was out there and what I was interested in.

“This opportunity came up and it was something I’ve been really excited to engage in.”

A month into part-time work, Hrovat sees some perks in a desk job.

“We’ve had a couple really hot days and you just peek out the window, and from our nice and air-conditioned office you can see the boys out there running, so that has been really good,” he joked.

His new position offering him a different view of the club.

“When you’re playing the game, you’re very focused on the footy side of the club and the people that help you immediately. But you don’t always understand what goes on behind the scenes.

“Understanding and appreciating what the people upstairs do, which is me now, has been really enjoyable.

“I’m just really excited for this next chapter of my life, and what a great way to start it.”