There are plenty of parallels between Melbourne's favourite sport and the real estate game, according to former AFL player and property developer Will Slade. “I knew nothing about construction or building while I was playing footy," says Slade, who played for Geelong from 2001 to 2006. "But some of the skills, like sticking to a time-plan and being disciplined and getting a project completed, are transferrable to both.” Slade, 31, certainly isn’t the first ex-AFL player to transition to real estate after football. “I think it is a bit of a trend," he tells The Real Estate Conversation, "due to the financial position a lot of players are in when they stop playing footy, and they’ve been earning well and saving. You’re in a pretty strong position financially to get into the property game compared to other young people.”

Slade's first property under his company ROC Projects, a residence in Toorak, was sold in April 2014. Next up, Slade, who lives in Balwyn and works with his brother as his financial partner, will begin work on renovating and extending a heritage-listed property on Tanner St in Richmond. That will soon be followed, in April, by a new build at Botherambo St in Richmond. The site is currently an empty block but will feature a three bedroom, three bathroom residence with a two-car garage. “I’ve always had a passion for architecture,” Slade says. “I originally studied construction management [at Deakin University in Geelong] then moved to sustainable development [completing a property and sustainable development degree at Bond University in 2009]. I’m more a hands-on person, I didn’t want to sit behind a desk for the rest of my life.”

On top of these Richmond projects, Slade is also looking at an apartment block, and seeking additional financial investors. “I definitely want to grow the business into a more prominent Melbourne-based developer,” he says. “I also have quite a strong interest in developing this city, I really love this city. I really believe Melbourne is the best city to live in, personally, and if I can have any influence on it whatsoever, whether it be a few buildings here and there, then I’m taking that opportunity.”