Life beyond Radford
Daniel Grace
- Bachelor Degree, University of Canberra, Commerce, 2006-2009
- Head of Commercial, West Australian Football Commission, 2015-Present
- Head of Sponsorship & Corporate Sales, South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2012-2015
- Corporate Sales Manager, Western Force, 2010-2012
What does life look for you now?
I live in Perth with my wife Tam and sons Zac and Archie. Currently I am working for the AFL's state governing body, the West Australian Football Commission. Prior I was living in Sydney working for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and was fortunate enough to be part of their management team in the season they won their first premiership in 43 years (2014).
Tell us what you are passionate about?
Family and sport.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I wanted to play professional rugby. After realising I probably didn't have the skill to play professionally, I thought the next best thing would be to enter into the commercial side of sport.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Playing rugby on Saturday's, then jumping on the shuttle bus at 6am on Sunday mornings up to Perisher with the ski/snowboard team.
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
At Radford, I learnt a lot from Simon Young who was an ex Radford graduate and Head of Sport when I was in year 12. Post Radford we've stayed in touch through Wests Rugby and now both live and work in Perth.
Professionally, Michael Maguire who is the Head Coach of the Rabbitohs is probably the most dedicated/driven person I've ever met. The drive he had to end the Rabbitohs premiership drought was nothing short of inspirational.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Pretty easy as I'm working in an industry that I'm passionate about.
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
I started Commerce at UC, changed to PE Teaching, took six months off Uni to play rugby in Las Vegas, then came back and changed back to Commerce with a lot more motivation to finish what I'd started. The one constant for me has been the networking available through continuing to play sport after finishing at Radford and the subsequent career opportunities that this has provided.
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
The influence that Canberra/Radford has on you later in life. In both Sydney and Perth I've met or reconnected with people from Canberra/Radford that I've learnt a lot from and built great personal and professional relationships with.
What advice do you have for current students?
Set a plan but be prepared for a few bumps along the road to achieve it. Don't get stressed about what you can't control, focus on what you can control and you'll get there.
