Brayden Sier discusses his AFL exit and premiership hopes at Heidelberg
Heidelberg recruit Brayden Sier says his AFL aspirations are over but had to make one big adjustment in his return to local footy.
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Heidelberg recruit Brayden Sier says he’s looking forward to not being a footy player any more.
The former Collingwood midfielder revealed the AFL life wasn’t for him and is looking forward to quietly going about his business in the Northern Football League with the Tigers in 2022.
“No, (AFL) that’s definitely behind me,” he said.
“I don’t think the day-to-day stress and life of AFL is my cup of tea and it’s not a lot of people’s cup of tea.
“At the same time I had a great time there and met some of my closest friends there but I’m looking forward to not being a footy player any more to be honest.
“I won’t be playing VFL, I had a few offers, but that’s not really for me either.”
Transitioning from full-time footballer to “normal” life has come with its own adjustments.
“It’s just getting used to training in the afternoon,” Sier said.
“Now you’ve obviously got to go to work and then have footy training afterwards.
“It’s definitely a lot more relaxing, less stress and a bit more fun I guess, you take it seriously but it’s a lot more fun.”
Heidelberg’s stacked midfielder certainly gives the big-bodied 25-year-old the opportunity to ease his way back into suburban football.
The Tigers already boast Rosbrook Medallist Lachie Wilson, Division 1 Coaches MVP Matt Smith, best-and-fairest winner Tom Schnerring, Keenan Posar and have recruited Smith’s brother Kellan.
However, Matt Cecchin has departed having moved to Queensland.
Sier believes Heidelberg is capable of big things this season.
“I think (coach Danny Nolan) will find a spot for me,” he said.
“It’s going to be fun though, we do have a really good side, a good young side, and our midfield is pretty stacked.
“Lachie’s one of my good mates, so we’ll have a red-hot crack this year.
“There’ll be a few teams to beat and I think anyone on their day can win and hopefully more days are ours than theirs.
“I’d like to win a flag and just getting back to enjoying footy.”
Sier is one of several ex-AFL talents joining the competition this season along with Lin Jong and Mitch Honeychurch (Montmorency), David Zaharakis (Bundoora), Daniel Gorringe (Greensborough), Jordan Schroder (Northcote Park) and Jarrad Waite and Corey Wagner (Whittlesea).
After coming through the Banyule juniors and Northern Knights, Sier returns home to Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
He admits returning to his junior club was a consideration but having mates at Heidelberg swung him to Warringal Park.
“Yeah, there was plenty of interest from Banyule,” he said.
“I flirted with it because obviously I do know a few of the boys back there.
“Most of the mates I played with there aren’t there any more but it was definitely an option.
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“I knew a few of the boys before I came (to Heidelberg) and it’s been good hanging around with new people, new faces, and getting to know them.
“I think just overall, even the intra-club we played, the quality was really high, which bodes really well for how deep we are.
“I think the general quality of training has been really high, I didn’t come in with any ideas but it’s been really good, everyone’s got really good skills.”
Heidelberg hosts Hurstbridge in Round 1 on April 2.
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