Melbourne Cup winning trainer Robert Hickmott used to play in the AFL for Melbourne

TAKE note young Demons. If you quit playing for Melbourne you might end up training the Melbourne Cup winner, just like Robert Hickmott.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy (right), with trainer Robert Hickmott, celebrate after Almandin wins the 2016 Melbourne Cup. Picture: AAP Images.

TAKE note young Demons. If you quit playing for Melbourne you might end up training the Melbourne Cup winner.

That is exactly what Almandin trainer Robert Hickmott has done.

Hickmott, 47, is renowned as one of the best race horse trainers in the world but he also had a previous career playing AFL football with Melbourne.

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He nominated for the 1989 AFL pre-season draft and was selected at pick 45 by Melbourne.

Hickmott made his debut for the Demons against St Kilda and played the following week against North Melbourne. They were his only two games.

He remained on Melbourne’s list for one more year but then quit the club to take up horse training. As far as career changes go, this one can be considered a raging success.

Robert Hickmott gets a kiss on draft night.

Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy (right) with trainer Robert Hickmott at the Melbounre Cup.

Hickmott is now a two time Melbourne Cup winning trainer having also guided Green Moon to victory in 2012.

His latest winner could serve as a good omen for Melbourne fans.

Constant injuries stopped Almandin from racing for two years as owners and connections agreed on a softly, softly approach — almost like an AFL rebuild.

Now it is on top of the world.

Will Melbourne’s latest rebuild be this successful?

Originally published as Melbourne Cup winning trainer Robert Hickmott used to play in the AFL for Melbourne