Leigh Ryswyk calls time on his career with North Adelaide
NORTH Adelaide veteran Leigh Ryswyk will end his career with the Roosters at the of the season, but it is not the finish line to his career.
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NORTH Adelaide veteran Leigh Ryswyk will play football next season – where is the unanswered question.
Ryswyk said he was not ready to end his career after calling time on his 13-year stint with the Roosters. The 33-year old made the decision after a meeting with Roosters coach Josh Carr on the weekend.
While Ryswyk said he was happy to continue at Prospect Oval in 2019, he was understanding of the direction the club was headed and was comfortable to call a halt at the end of the season.
“The club has a direction and that comes in to play,” he said. “It was mutually agreed for me to quit.
“It was the same chat I had with Josh last year. Where are we at, what are we thinking?
“I still feel I’m able to play at this level, but after a good chat with Josh the time is right for me, and family-wise as well.
“I’m comfortable with it, there is no issue or negative thought. I played reserves this season and embraced that, so I was already at that point, either way was no issue.”
Ryswyk joined the Roosters in 2006 after a season with the Brisbane Lions when he made one appearance in the AFL.
Proud of what he had been able to achieve in the game, Ryswyk has played 225 league games for the Roosters and kicked 223 goals.
He has appeared in four interstate games for the SANFL.
“To be able to come from interstate and play 225 games and be a life member of the SANFL and the club, as well as play state footy, I feel I’ve achieved a lot,” he said.
Ryswyk lives in Gawler and is likely to play in a league close to home to avoid too much travel.
He said he could not contemplate playing for another SANFL club.
“I will definitely be playing football, I just don’t know where or who for,” he said. “I’ve not thought that far.
“I’m not ready to retire altogether
I’ve a driven person, competitive,” he said. “I like staying fit and I love footy.”