The Golden Years Podcast team are back with a special 'trade' themed episode, and they're joined by none other than premiership Hawk Trent Croad.
Imagine being one of the most highly rated players in your team, being one kick away from a grand final, and then being the reluctant subject of a trade just a fortnight later. While it seems unlikely on paper, that was a reality for Trent Croad at the end of the 2001 season.
The Hawks saw the talent in the incoming pool of youngsters (now widely known as the 'Super Draft'), and they had their sights set on one player in particular: Luke Hodge. The club needed to get its hands on the prized first pick, and the only way to do that was to send their best player west. But the Hawks won the jackpot in this trade; not only did they nab Hodge and Sam Mitchell with the picks received, but they managed to get a reinvigorated Croad back just two seasons later - a dynamic trio that would go on to play a pivotal role in the 2008 premiership success.
But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows at the time - far from it for the person living it. In today's episode, Trent Croad shares the emotions that come with being traded by the club you've loved forever, and the initial resentment that turned into life-long friendship with the favourite son who effectively took his spot on the list.
A candid and emotive look at Trent Croad's unique journey - this episode is not to be missed.
Listen below or search for Golden Years on your chosen podcast provider.