Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead announces his retirement

Retiring Hawthorn veteran Jarryd Roughead says he has no regrets about playing on this year and while he’s glad he will play a farewell game he wasn’t getting caught up in the debate.

Retiring Hawthorn veteran Jarryd Roughead says he has no regrets about playing on this year and is glad he will get a farewell game on Sunday but wouldn’t have cracked “the sads” if he didn’t.

The Hawks formally decided yesterday that they would bring back Roughead for Sunday’s clash with Gold Coast Suns, which is their last match of the regular season in Melbourne.

It will be Roughead’s first AFL game since Round 14 but may not be his last, coach Alastair Clarkson leaving the door open to a trip to Perth for a Round 23 clash with West Coast if Roughead performs strongly.

AFL DAILY: ALL THE LATEST FOOTY NEWS IN ONE PLACE

DREAM: WHY ROUND 22 WILL BE BEST OF SEASON

DROUGHT: LYON BAITS BOMBERS WITH FINALS SLEDGE

The four-time premiership player and former captain said he would have been understanding whether he received a farewell game to say goodbye to Melbourne-based fans or not.

“I wasn’t worried either way, really, because I understood where the club was going in terms of blooding youth and getting games into some kids,” Roughead said.

Jarryd Roughead speaks to the media on Tuesday ahead of his farewell game. Pic: AAP

“It’s worked out very nice that I can be able to play this Sunday, but it wasn’t like, ‘You’ve got to play me otherwise I’ll crack the sads’.

“It’s a celebration for everyone, I guess. It will be nice to say goodbye to fans one last time but it will also be nice for them to come out and be a part of, hopefully, a couple more games for us.”

Roughead has played just seven AFL games this year, spending much of his time in the VFL after electing to fulfill the final year of his contract at the Hawks rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

It was a full house as Roughead addressed the media. Pic: AAP

“I’ve had a ball going back there (to the VFL) and training on Thursday nights, playing on different grounds that you don’t get to play on every week and being part of a group that’s a little bit different,” Roughead said.

“I’ve got no regrets on staying here because I’ve been able to play at one club for 15 years. Not many people can say that. But I think if you asked people who are at Box Hill or blokes I’ve played against in the VFL, I think it’s been pretty good.”

An emotional Sarah Roughead watched husband Jarryd speak on his career. Pic: AAP

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said Roughead was a club treasure. Pic: AAP

Roughead has been linked to an off-field role with St Kilda next year but would not be drawn on what the future holds for him, other than that he does not want to leave the football environment.

“I’d like to stay in footy,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of sitting down now after these next two weeks and figuring out where’s best for me.”

Jarryd Roughead with the 2015 premiership cup. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Roughead with premiership teammate Josh Gibson. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Originally published as Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead announces his retirement