Hawthorn picked up Croad with the third overall selection in the draft. He started out as a defender, playing at either centre half-back or fullback. But he showed his versatility as his career went on, being able to play in any number of key positions.
Fremantle
Croad was traded from Hawthorn to Fremantle at the end of 2001. The picks given up by Fremantle were used by Hawthorn to select former Hawthorn stars Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell, whilst Luke McPharlin joined Croad in moving west. While Croad was reasonable but not spectacular at the Dockers, in 2002, he was Fremantle's leading goalkicker with 42 goals. The following season Croad lost confidence and kicked 18 goals. He cited homesickness and asked to be traded back to Victoria at the end of 2003.
Return to Hawthorn
He was traded back to Hawthorn, this time only in return for pick 10, which was used by Fremantle to select Ryley Dunn. Croad was told that he would be the centre half back, with a regular position his form improved once he went back to the Hawks, winning All-Australian selection in 2005. Croad relished the responsibility of being the senior man down back being strong, athletic type who took the oppositions best forward each week. During the second quarter of the 2008 Grand Final, Croad broke his left foot, and leaving the ground with the aid of trainers he still managed to lay a bump on Geelong's Joel Selwood before playing no further part in the game. Hawthorn went on to win the match and Croad earned his first premiership medallion in over 200 games of AFL football. Croad missed the entire 2009 season due to his 2008 Grand Final injury, and on the 6th of January 2010 he announced his retirement after his surgeon warned him that he might permanently lose all function in his left foot if he broke it again.
Personal life
In October 2006, Croad married Tanya Stewart, and had two daughters, Kiera and Sierra. Croad became engaged toKym Valentine in March 2015. In November, Valentine and Croad confirmed they were expecting their first child together. Valentine gave birth to a son named Phoenix in March 2016. Croad currently operates a landscaping business and in August 2018 was accused of ripping off clients.
Controversy
As part of the investigation by the Australian Crime Commission into drugs and organised crime in Australian sport, he was named by Fairfax Media newspapers as being involved in a peptide supply deal that was linked to the Comanchero Motorcycle Club, an outlaw motorcycle gang. Croad later announced that he would sue Fairfax Media for defamation over the story.
