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Retirement looms for AFL stalwarts

3 minute read

A glance at the potential and confirmed retirements from every AFL club at the end of the season.

JARRAD MCVEIGH
JARRAD MCVEIGH Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

POTENTIAL AND CONFIRMED AFL RETIREMENTS

* ADELAIDE

Richard Douglas: The 32-year-old is off-contract at season's end and, although keen to play on, may not be offered a new deal.

David Mackay: Aged 31, has put in a solid enough season but could be victim of a push to rejuvenate an ageing playing squad.

Andy Otten: The 30-year-old has played the past three games because of injuries to other tall defenders but is unlikely to get a new deal.

* BRISBANE

Luke Hodge: The four-time Hawthorn premiership great, aged 35, says he'll be at Brisbane next year, but unsure if in a playing or full-time coaching capacity.

* CARLTON

Kade Simpson: The 35-year-old is enjoying another remarkably consistent season and form suggests a one-year extension, if his mind and body are willing.

COLLINGWOOD

Daniel Wells: Cruelled by injury, the writing appears on the retirement wall for the 34-year-old after 17 seasons in the AFL.

Tyson Goldsack: The 32-year-old is universally admired but has played just four senior games this season.

ESSENDON

Mark Baguley: Aged 32, has played 10 senior games this season but is far from a first-choice selection.

FREMANTLE

Aaron Sandilands: After another season marred by injury, the 36-year-old ruckman announced on Tuesday he will retire at season's end.

Hayden Ballantyne: The feisty forward has played only two senior games this season amid injury and form concerns. The 32-year-old is keen to continue.

David Mundy: The 34-year-old is leaning to extend his stellar career and the choice will be his, given he's averaging about 23 disposals in his 20 games this season.

* GEELONG

Gary Ablett: The 35-year-old's future rests in his own hands after producing another influential season as a dangerous forward.

Scott Selwood: Although only 29, has managed just two senior games amid Geelong's youth push. Could be of value to another club seeking experience.

* GOLD COAST

Michael Rischitelli. Turns 34 in January; has played the past five games - his only appearances this season - but unlikely to play on.

* GWS

Heath Shaw: Turns 34 in November and, while the 302-gamer's form remains sound, has already flagged retirement thoughts.

Shane Mumford: The 33-year-old appears keen to continue but it may depend on how the Giants' ruck stocks shape up in the trade period.

Brett Deledio: The 32-year-old's mind is willing to play on but his battered body may make the decision for him.

* HAWTHORN

Jarryd Roughead: The four-time premiership forward has announced he'll retire at season's end. But will another club, say Gold Coast, lure him as a playing mentor?

Grant Birchall: The 31-year-old's body is failing him. Has played just three senior games this season because of hamstring issues and unlikely to press on.

Paul Puopolo: Turns 32 in December and his impact in 20 games this season has been on the wane, kicking just 10 goals.

* MELBOURNE

Jordan Lewis: The 33-year-old has already hinted he will retire at the end of the season.

Nathan Jones: The 31-year-old's output has decreased markedly this season but is believed to have been offered a one-year contract on reduced cash.

* NORTH MELBOURNE

Scott Thompson: The reliable backman has announced he'll retire at season's end after a dozen years at the Kangaroos.

* PORT ADELAIDE

Nil

* RICHMOND

Shaun Grigg: The 31-year-old retired in May after losing battles against knee and hip injuries which prevented him playing at senior level this year.

* ST KILDA

Dylan Roberton: The 28-year-old is sitting out the season because of an ongoing heart condition and, although yet to rule out continuing, appears long odds.

* SYDNEY

Jarrad McVeigh: The 34-year-old announced his retirement will be at season's end after a decorated 17-year career.

Heath Grundy: The premiership defender retired in May this season because of back injury.

Kieran Jack: Just six senior games this season for the 32-year-old who is expected to hang up the boots.

Nick Smith: The 31-year-old hasn't featured this season with ongoing hamstring problems likely to force his retirement call.

* WEST COAST

Will Schofield: Turns 31 in January; off-contract at season's end but could yet be offered a one-year deal as insurance to cover injuries to others.

* WESTERN BULLDOGS

Tom Boyd: The 2016 premiership hero retired in May, citing mental health battles and frequent injuries as the cause.

Liam Picken: Another 2016 flag hero, he retired in April after ongoing issues with concussion.

Dale Morris: After another knee reconstruction, he turns 37 in December and is all but certain to end his highly-respected career.

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