Andrew Crowell was tough enough to keep turning up after collapsing during his first training session with the Adelaide Crows. Tough enough to build an AFL career and to start again after a knee reconstruction brought it to an end.

Years later, after helping rebuild the culture at the Brisbane Lions and navigating the loss of a close friend, the lesson he kept returning to was not about toughness at all.

Andrew’s career has taken him from playing for the Adelaide Crows to supporting young people experiencing homelessness, helping develop players and culture at the Brisbane Lions, and becoming Head of High Performance, Wellbeing and Culture at Ray White.

In this conversation, Andrew talks honestly about resilience, grief, leadership, sacrifice and the advice he wishes he had listened to earlier.

“I reflect now and say, if I had actually made the sacrifices I needed to make, listened to my coaches, listened to the advice of those people around me, I probably would’ve played a lot better. I know I would’ve had a much longer career.”

Toughness got him in the door.

But looking back, it wasn’t what he needed more of.

CONTENT ADVICE

This episode includes a brief discussion of suicide and grief.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this episode contains the name and discussion of an Aboriginal person who has died.

If this conversation raises anything for you, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14 or at lifeline.org.au. If life is in immediate danger, call 000.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 🏉 Andrew Crowell, Early AFL Journey

00:55 🌾 From Farm Life to AFL Aspirations

03:33 🏆 Pursuing AFL Dreams with Determination

07:08 🏉 Journey to Becoming an Adelaide Crows Player

08:37 🤔 Reflections on Football Career and Personal Challenges

10:08 😞 Personal Struggles and Lack of Commitment

12:08 💪 Reflecting on Career and Resilience

14:09 🔄 Transitioning to a New Career

17:42 🤝 Finding Purpose in Helping Others

19:26 🤝 Building Trust with Homeless Youth

20:59 🌟 Success Stories and Personal Growth

23:26 🏉 Challenges and Cultural Change at Brisbane Lions

27:13 🏉 Building a Positive Culture in AFL

29:43 🧠 Player Development and Wellbeing

33:21 🎸 Musical Journey and Cultural Connection

35:28 🎶 Memories of a Musical Friendship

36:48 📀 Preserving Musical Memories

39:16 🕯️ Keeping Memories Alive

42:23 🌊 Understanding Grief and Its Unpredictability

44:31 🤝 Dealing with Blame and Seeking Support

48:39 🏢 The Importance of Culture in Sports and Corporate Worlds

51:42 🏢 Journey to Joining Ray White

54:49 💪 Maintaining Personal Well-being

57:47 🧠 End-of-Day Reflection and Improvement

59:44 🤝 The Importance of Emotional Support and Culture

1:01:40 🏈 Reflecting on Career and Sacrifices

1:03:38 💼 Experience and Hard Work in Career Development🎸 WATCH ANDREW AND SETH PLAY TOGETHER

Andrew speaks in this episode about keeping Seth’s memory alive through stories and music. Watch a recording of Andrew and Seth performing together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T--yUJQcwOA

🎙️ TALK TO ME WITH CHARLIE McCARRON

Real conversations with people who have lived through something worth sharing.

🔔 NEVER MISS AN EPISODE

If this conversation added value to your day, subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

It takes 30 seconds and it means everything to an independent show like this.

Podcast production by Beach Shack Productions

🔗 www.beachshackproductions.com