GDFL 2023: East Geelong superstar Tim McLennan calls time on career one season after winning Whitley Medal

A Geelong star has announced his retirement just one season after winning a league best-and-fairest. The club opens up on his decision.

Tim McLennan has announced his retirement.

Just one season after being crowned as the GDFL’s best player, East Geelong ruck star Tim McLennan has called time on his career in a devastating blow for the Eagles.

East Geelong president Dan Payne said there were indications from as early as last year that 2023 would be McLennan’s final season.

McLennan, 28, is having his first child in early 2024 and battled a number of injury issues throughout this year.

Bringing up his 100th game for East Geelong during the finals series, McLennan was one of the premier rucks in the competition this year but was unable to replicate his Whitley Medal season of 2022.

The mobile ruckman was still the second-ranked player at East Geelong in 2023 according to Premier Data, averaging 18.8 disposals, 28.6 hit-outs, 10.9 contested possessions, 5.0 clearances and 113 ranking points from his 15 matches.

The Eagles’ vice-captain gave the club plenty of warning about his decision, with Barwon Heads recruit Conor McKinnon, who followed former teammate and new playing coach Ned Aulsebrook from the Seagulls, viewed as a player who can help fill the void in the ruck.

Tim McLennan will be tough to replace. Picture: Alan Barber

“We spoke at length about it and it was something that it was pretty clear that it was coming. He let us know early in the piece that he wasn’t going to continue on next year,” East Geelong president Dan Payne said.

“He’s 28 and he’s been playing football for the last 10 years and I think he just wants to step away and do something different.

“Having a child that’s obviously something that is going to take up a lot of time as well.

“We picked up a ruckman out of Barwon Heads. Hopefully he will step up and fill that void, and we knew from a long way back, probably the end of last season, that Tim probably wasn’t going to go around again.”

Payne said that McLennan will be missed not only his on-field exploits but also his leadership and work off the field.

He said that McLennan is always welcome back at the club – whether that is coming out of retirement or another role at the Eagles.

“He’s been a great guy to have around the club and I do hope that he continues to remain around the club – even in his retirement.

“Best and fairest winner, league best and fairest winner, he was a very, very important part of our structure. He’ll leave a huge hole for us which we will have to go out and look to replace.

“Great clubman, was really involved, liked to help out where he could. He will certainly be missed but we have some plans in place and we hope that Tim will be around in the club in the years to come.”

Originally published as GDFL 2023: East Geelong superstar Tim McLennan calls time on career one season after winning Whitley Medal