No regrets for Stafford
12:44:47 PM Wed 15 February, 2006
Matt Burgan
Exclusive to richmondfc.com.au
Whether 2006 will be Greg Stafford's final AFL season is yet to be determined, but what is certain is that whenever his playing days are over, he will walk away from the game a contented man.
More immediately, the 31-year-old Richmond ruckman/forward is not wanting to mull over his future too much as he doesn't want to "waste too much time thinking about that sort of stuff".
"My career could have ended when I left Sydney four years ago, because I was really disenchanted with the whole scene anyway and I was happy to walk away," Stafford told richmondfc.com.au.
"If it was not for the fact that I went to Melbourne - just to give it one little crack to see if it was footy or it was in the environment that I was in … it turned out that it was probably the environment that I was in and not footy.
"You look at it and I really could have at my age in the last few years could've, would've, should've, maybe, maybe not (retired) and I just think that it is energy wasted thinking about that."
Unlike many AFL players, Stafford said the thought of retiring was not something that worried him in the slightest.
"I've worked hard off the field to make sure I study and handle stuff, so when it does come, it's not going to be: "Oh s*** what do I do now?" Stafford said.
"I'll move gently on with a new direction in my life and it won't really make too much difference to me, other than I won't have to train too much when I finish.
"It could be the last (year) or it might not be the last, but one thing I've learned in footy over the years is once you think you've got it worked out, you're in trouble.
"There are so many variables and so many things that change. I might be half-way through the year and flying and the club wants to stitch me up for another year, then I'd have to look at that, but it might be that I'm just moving along and thinking I've got half a year left in me and that might be the way it goes.
"I have no preconceived ideas about things, because I think it's a waste of time, but you've got to make sure you have the proper planning in case and have some variables covered and not just drift through, and I've done that.
"I'm really enjoying my role around the place and having a laugh and having a good time with it, so that's all I concentrate on."
And Stafford has already set his sights on the next phase of his career.
"I've been studying building for three-and-a-half years and I've just finished my diploma, so I'll apply for my building license as soon as I get that piece of paper out of the way.
"That's the direction I'll head in and I'm pretty excited about taking that on, whatever capacity that is - whether it'll be working for another construction company or working on my own," Stafford said.
"But a 14 or 15-year stint is good in any industry and one that probably averages one or two at the elite level, so I'm well above the average and if I can keep it together for 10 more games, I'll play 200 and that's another achievement, so I've had a terrific time in it.
"If the curtain was to fall at round 22 or wherever it may fall throughout the year or next year, I'm happy for it to and I'll happily move on and that's not to wish the days away or the games away.
"But I just know that it is a chapter and for what that was, it was probably the most exciting that I've encountered up to now, but I look forward to life, whatever the capacity it is.
"There's not going to be any tears at my press conference - if I'm lucky enough to have one," he added with a laugh.
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