Western Bulldogs defender Alex Keath calls time on AFL career

A Western Bulldogs defender has called time on one of the game’s most intriguing dual sport careers.

Alex Keath’s unique journey across two sports appears to have come to an end after the Western Bulldogs defender announced his retirement on Monday.

The 32-year-old called time on his AFL career after playing 109 games in nine seasons, including the 2021 grand final.

Keath’s decision came after the emergence of Rory Lobb as a defender pushed him further down the backline pecking order at Whitten Oval.

A severe hamstring injury in round 13 effectively ended his career after coach Luke Beveridge said a month later he was hesitant to risk Keath “the way he went out of the (previous) game”.

Key defender Alex Keath has retired after 109 games in nine seasons at Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein

Keath said his memories at the Bulldogs would “last a lifetime”.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Western Bulldogs Football Club,” he said.

“The players, coaches, support staff and volunteers have been a pleasure to work with.

“To our fans – it’s been a privilege to represent the Bulldogs faithful over the journey.”

Keath joined the Bulldogs in 2020 on the back of a stellar 2019 campaign for Adelaide which had put him in All-Australian squad contention.

The Crows signed him as a category B rookie after he switched from cricket, where he had starred in Australia’s successful under-19 World Cup campaign in 2010.

Paul Collingwood celebrates the wicket of Alex Keath (right) in a tour match between Victoria and England at the MCG in 2010. Picture: Colleen Petch

A batting all-rounder, he played four games for the Melbourne Stars in the BBL and among his seven first-class games was a clash against England at the MCG.

In a 2010 one-day match for the Prime Minister’s XI against the West Indies, Keath pinched four wickets with his medium-pacers including Chris Gayle and Keiron Pollard.

Alex should be extremely proud of the contributions he made to both Adelaide and Western Bulldogs football clubs,” Bulldogs list manager Sam Power said.

“He is the epitome of hard work and determination, a reliable defender who gave his all each time he ran onto the field. He’s also a much-loved and highly respected individual, not just by his teammates but also by staff across all sections of our club.”

Originally published as Western Bulldogs defender Alex Keath calls time on AFL career