Growing up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Trent Croad was an avid Hawthorn supporter.

He was 11 years old when the club won the premiership in 1991 and, although the club underwent some challenging times in the years following that flag, Croad's brown and gold passion was unwavering.

Speaking to the Golden Years podcast this week, Croad was asked who his favourite Hawthorn player was growing up.

The answer was immediate and unequivocal. 

"Jason Dunstall for sure," Croad responded.

List by the numbers: What type are you eyeing off?

You can imagine Croad's delight when, at the age of just 17, Hawthorn called his name out at Pick 3 in the 1997 national draft.

But you can also imagine how that delight multiplied after the final game of his debut season, when he helped chair a certain outgoing Hawthorn legend off the ground, at the age of just 18 in just the 17th game of his career. 

"It was amazing.

"I've actually got a photo of that moment at my farm, with Jonathan Hay and I carrying him off.

"Amazing!"

To hear more of Trent Croad's reminiscing on a famous career, be sure to join into the full podcast.  

Listen below or search for Golden Years on your chosen podcast provider.