Born in Solihull in the WestMidlands of England to English parents, his father Martyn was a former junior soccer player. Moran grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon with dreams of becoming a soccer player. As a youth, he represented West Midlands county in rugby union. He was also a representative soccer player. Moran moved to Australia with his family as a 15-year-old, looking to pursue a career in rugby. One of his school friends encouraged him to try Aussie Rules with the Surfers Paradise AFC juniors, where he was mentored by former Brisbane Bears captain Roger Merrett. He took to the game quickly and developed a passion for it. His high school, The Southport School had a policy against Australian Football being part of its curriculum, so he had to remain playing club football and instead also played rowing and basketball at school. Moran quickly showed ability and talent in the ruck. He broke his wrist leading up to the Under 18 national championships, which set back his recruitment. However, after playing football with the Southport Sharks, at age 18 he was recruited to the elite level by the Kangaroos Football Club in the 2004 AFL Draft.
AFL career
Wearing the famous number 18 guernsey, made famous by Kangaroos legend Wayne Carey, Moran made his debut in 2006 against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium. He played an effective game in one of the Roos' worst performances of the season. He collected 21 disposals, 10 marks and 10 hitouts, which earned a nomination for the AFL Rising Star Award. He continued his good form into next week against Collingwood, where the Roos were comprehensively beaten in the second half. Moran was traded to the Adelaide Football Club at the end of the 2007 Premiership season. He took up the number 2 guernsey, which was also previously worn by Carey during his brief stint at the Crows. After injuries ruined the first half of his 2008 season, he played his first game for the Crows in round 16 and impressed as a tall defender and ruckman, thereafter becoming a fixture in the lineup. When moved into the forward line against Carlton in round 18 to cover the loss of Jason Porplyzia, Moran booted four goals for the game to help the Crows to an eight-point victory, thus adding another string to his bow as a utility. In 2009 Moran quickly became a regular in the Adelaide side, forming a ruck combination with Ivan Maric. However, midway through the season he injured his knee, which would keep him out for the remainder of the season. Moran announced his retirement on 31 August 2011 after ongoing injuries.
International qualification
In 2008, although Moran was eligible to represent Great Britain at the 2008 Australian Football International Cup, he was deliberately overlooked by the national team because he did not learn the game in England. However Moran is keen to see the sport grow in his former home and is an ambassador for Aussie Rules International, appearing in an England Dragonslayers guernsey for its junior league promotions.
