Nathan Hrovat had only just left the Arden St building after his AFL playing career came to an end, before accepting a new role with the club.

The 25-year-old said he jumped at the opportunity to stay at the club to work as an AFL Football Operations Coordinator and AFLW Leadership Consultant, while playing in the club’s VFL team.

“It’s an incredible opportunity, so thought it would be silly not to take it,” Hrovat told North Media.

“Essentially things were quite busy post de-listing, but I'd been chatting to Laura Kane [head of football operations] throughout the last year and a half, just about footy ops [operations] and different bits and pieces.

“I never thought it would eventuate into a job but I was just very interested in it so I was trying to learn as much as possible."

Despite interest from rival clubs, Hrovat said the decision came down to his long-term career.

“It’s all happened very quickly, but it was a bit of an evaluation, like anything,” he said.

“I was now starting to plan for life post footy and the next chapter, so it was a bit of an evaluation on what was on offer and what could help me the most in my career.

“The opportunity at North was just an incredible offer that I was only very happy to take up.”

When asked whether he considered to play for another club next year, Hrovat said it wasn't something he was keen on.

“If I’m being completely honest; I didn’t really consider going back into the draft," he said.

“As I indicated on the club's podcast, I was extremely appreciative of what the AFL system provided me over seven years.

“I’ve got a house and a beautiful partner, so I’m incredibly grateful for what it's provided me. The next chapter was about building my career post-footy.

“Over the past 24 months, I developed probably a bigger passion in stuff outside of footy so I never really thought about going back into the draft or looking elsewhere, so I guess my sights were set on my next career.”

While Hrovat is excited about the next chapter, he’s also looking forward to representing the royal blue and white stripes in the VFL.

“I’ll continue to play with some of the boys and continue to build relationships," he said.

"I’ve obviously got great relationships with David Loader and the VFL guys because I’ve played there this year, so hopefully I can just continue that.

“In any way I can help shape and develop some of our younger guys through the VFL, I’m only too happy to do so.”