Alan Brady grew up in the Sydney suburb of Haberfield. As a junior he played rugby league with Christian Brothers Lewisham. He then played rugby union with the Western Suburbs Club at age seventeen.
After three seasons playing rugby union, he found himself languishing in Reserve Grade. Alan switched to rugby league with Wests in 1929 where he was an immediate success. He was selected in First Grade and in his second game with Wests grabbed attention by scoring two tries in a hard fought 18-18 draw with Balmain .