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Bomber Leuenberger retires from AFL

5 years ago

3 minute read

Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger has retired after 137 games for Brisbane and Essendon.

MATTHEW LEUENBERGER of the Bombers celebrates after kicking a goal during the AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
MATTHEW LEUENBERGER of the Bombers celebrates after kicking a goal during the AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger has turned down a one-year contract extension from Essendon, choosing instead to retire after a 137-game AFL career with Brisbane and the Bombers.

The 30-year-old felt he longer had the required level of commitment to train and play at the highest level.

"I would like to thank the club for the past three years," Leuenberger said.

"It has been a thrill to experience the likes of Anzac Day and watch the group grow to a point where anything is possible next season.

"I felt like the flame is now burning too low to compete every day at training, let alone game day, and it would have been selfish of me to show up for another season.

"I look forward to sitting back as an Essendon fan to watch next season unfold."

Leuenberger joined Essendon from Brisbane as a free agent during the 2015 trade period.

He played 108 games for the Lions and 28 for the Bombers.

Tom Bellchambers is now the only specialist ruckman with AFL experience on Essendon's list.

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