Guess who! Footy star looks unrecognisable as he embarks on a surprising new career
Retired AFL star Jason Akermanis has swapped Brownlows to bungalows as he embarks on a new career as a real estate agent.
The former Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs star, 43, is now selling houses for Ray White Ascot, in Brisbane’s inner north-east.
The footy great is being mentored by agency director Dwight Ferguson, who has a reputation for employing ex-athletes.
New career: Retired AFL star Jason Akermanis (right) has swapped Brownlows to bungalows as he embarks on a new career as a real estate agent. Pictured with agency director Dwight Ferguson (left), who has a reputation for employing ex-athletes
Akermanis was known for his trademark spiky blond hair and dark goatee during his sporting career, but has adopted a more professional look for his new role.
He told Realestate.com.au on Friday that his decision to become an estate agent and auctioneer was a ‘little spontaneous’.
However, he claimed to have been interested in property from a young age, after his mother taught him the importance of making wise investments.
My, how you’ve changed! Akermanis was known for his trademark spiky blond hair and dark goatee during his sporting career, but has adopted a more professional look for his new role. Pictured playing for the Western Bulldogs on April 4, 2010 in Melbourne
‘We didn’t have much growing up but Mum managed to save up and she bought a house in Kedron [a northern suburb of Brisbane],’ he said.
‘She was always teaching me things, such as if you’re going to invest in property it’s good to have a nice house but it’s the land that goes up, and location is crucial.
‘It was general stuff like that, but it’s always good to hear and it’s the type of advice that we have always done well out of. If you can afford it and you can stick to the general rules then you’re never going to go wrong.’
The sportsman, known to fans simply as Aker, has been working at Ray White for two weeks and ‘relishes the chance’ to be a part of Ascot’s buzzing real estate industry.
He also believes that his experience of ‘auctioning off stuff at footy clubs and gigs’ will help when it comes to handling the gavel.
Akermanis career change coincides with his family’s move back to Queensland after many years spent living in Melbourne.
Ironically, he and wife Megan Legge are looking for a house themselves, and are staying with Megan’s family for the time being.
The Brownlow Medal winner and father of two retired from the AFL in 2010, and went on to pursue a professional golf career.
But he didn’t have much luck on the green, admitting on 3AW radio last year that he’d been banned from three golf clubs.