A new goal for Juddy

RECENTLY retired football star Chris Judd has his firstever job outside the AFL bubble. Judd will start work at the Impact Investment Group in St Kilda three days a week on Monday, in a business development role.

“It’s going to take a little bit of getting used to, but I’m looking forward to using my brain,” he told Confidential.

“Footy was great and I loved every minute of it, but I was ready to move on and do some different things.”

Judd and wife Rebecca were guests on Wednesday night at the opening of Scott Pickett’s new restaurant, ESP, in Northcote.

The champion Carlton footballer retired last month after suffering a knee injury that required surgery.

“It’s three weeks today post-surgery and I’m starting to walk around and get some sleep,” he said.

“I’ve had a little bit of exercise, so far so good.”

After the emotional end to his playing days, he said he is looking forward to his next chapter.

“I’m in a good space,” he said. “I still get mixed emotions watching the boys play, but I had a great run and I’m really excited to do little things like come out tonight.”

Rebecca said the family had fitted into life well after football. “He’s been in recovery mode and has been around home a lot, which has been good,” she said.

“Just having the freedom to go out and do things together, I guess, and be a bit more of a couple in that sense has been really nice.”