AFTER having more than 10 surgeries during his playing career, former Richmond defender Kelvin Moore could be forgiven for never wanting to see an operating theatre again.

But, the newly-retired 28-year-old is working with surgeons more than ever now after taking on a job in orthopaedics distribution.

Moore, who retired in August last year after two years of crippling hip problems, is working for PurePlay Orthopaedics, for which former Hawthorn and Richmond defender Mark Graham is a director.

Moore sought Graham's advice on the transition from a footballing career to the professional world when he decided to retire.

Despite initial desire to pursue a career in the police force, Moore took Graham up on the offer to become a sales executive for the company.

Now, Moore's role involves taking major joints into surgeries – something he admitted took some time to get used to.  

"It is an eye opener," Moore told AFL.com.au.

"The first four or five operations I went into, I wasn't sure where to look.

"But then after a while, you go in and you're used to it. I find it quite interesting. The surgeons are amazing people with what they can do and improve peoples' lives so it's something I'm quite interested in."

Having had nine operations on his hip and one each on his shoulder and jaw, Moore is no stranger to the operating room.

He also expects to require hip replacements at some stage in his life, so considers his role to be a form of research for when that time comes.

He said the police force was still an option down the track but he is keen to stay in his current field for the time being, with the flexibility of the role allowing him to act as Richmond's volunteer runner each week.

Running for the Tigers involves a meeting the day before the match and the on-field work during the game.

"Age isn't really a factor when it comes to the police force. There's a lot of 40 or 50-year-olds having career changes and going to the police force," he said.

"I've still got interest in it and wouldn't say I would never do it but I thought I'd give this a go first."

Jennifer Phelan is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenPhelan.