When Alex Keath (OM 2010) graduated from Melbourne Grammar School he had a difficult decision to make, choosing between a contract with Cricket Victoria or the newly formed Gold Coast Suns AFL club.
Initially, Alex chose to pursue a professional career in first class cricket but later shifted his focus to AFL. Now, around 30 top level cricket matches and 100 AFL games later, Alex has another difficult decision to make as he contemplates his next move once his time on the sporting field comes to an end. And teaching is among the options he is considering.
Balancing sport and education
Alex’s long list of sporting achievements includes being part of the victorious Australian 2010 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup team for which he was awarded the Sir Brian Hone Medal by the School, the highest honour given to a student.
His professional cricketing career spans six years including a stint in England playing in the Birmingham Premier League. Alex made his debut for the Adelaide Crows AFL team in 2017 and transferred to his current club – the Western Bulldogs – in 2019.
Reflecting on this, Alex points to his connections with other players as the thing that stands out most.
“I’ve always loved what sport brings in terms of building life-long friendships,” he says. “Working towards a common goal is something that’s always attracted me to sport.”
However, the former Vice-Captain of the School says his academic studies have always come first. “My parents have always driven the academic side, and that was the culture of the School as well,” Alex says. “Everything else had to come secondary to that and, actually, that has really fuelled my enjoyment of my sport. If I had only focused on trying to become a professional sportsperson, I think not only would it have been to the detriment of my academic pursuits, but also to my enjoyment of sport as well.”
“I do try my best in whatever I’m pursuing, but there’s always room for improvement,” Alex says. “In sport I play to win, but I was always taught to play fairly and in the spirit of the game.”
Preparing for the next step
“Professional sport is a bit of a strange career, because you do commit those years early on,” Alex explains. “I’ve been lucky to have had a reasonably long career in sport, but now I’m also focusing on my studies, which will put me in a position where I can take up the next opportunity. Even though I’m not completely sure what that will be, I want to make sure I’m as prepared as possible.”
Having completed a Bachelor of Arts, Alex has followed this with studies in finance and a Master of Teaching, which he is planning to finish this year.
His time at Melbourne Grammar influenced his decision to consider a path in education. “Having those leaders and role models certainly taught me some great lessons and that’s something I reflect on,” Alex says.
“There’s great purpose that can be brought through teaching – having an impact on young people’s lives, helping families,” he says. “Teaching is definitely something I’d consider pursuing once my AFL career finishes up.”
Alex says he has enjoyed his studies in finance as well, leaving his options open as to which direction he will head. “I just want to prepare myself as well as possible so that if opportunities arise – whether it be as a teacher or in another field – I’m in a position to go after them.”
