Alex Woodward retires from football after fifth ACL injury

After knee reconstructions in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017, and facing more surgery after suffering another ACL injury on Saturday, Alex Woodward says he’s played his last game.

Alex Woodward is distraught after suffering his fifth ACL injury, during Saturday’s VFL match between Collingwood and Box Hill Hawks. Picture: AAP

Five days away from surgery for a fifth ACL injury, Alex Woodward has announced his retirement from football.

The doughty Collingwood VFL star and former Hawthorn midfielder hurt his right knee again in the final round last Saturday, leaving the Box Hill City Oval distraught.

The 26-year-old confirmed today he would not be attempting another comeback.

“Probably time for me to reassess playing footy, and I’m at peace with that,’’ Woodward told Leader.

WHAT YOU GET WITH A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION

“I think I’ve made the most of my playing career. Obviously I’ve had my fair share of bad luck. But I’m really happy and really proud of what I’ve produced on-field. I’m OK with walking away from the game, unfortunately with another injury.

“I’ve got to look after my body for the long term now. I can’t be too stubborn in wanting to play footy. I made a promise to myself and my family after the fourth one that it was my last-ditch effort … I’m more than at peace with stepping away from the game. I’ve given it my all.

Alex Woodward was in scintillating form for Collingwood on Saturday before injuring his knee. Picture: AAP

“Don’t get me wrong, I still love the game. I’ve always been a fanatic, always loved being amongst it. I’ll sit down with the club and see what opportunities there are for me.’’

Woodward injured his ACL again when he was bumped after kicking the ball late in the final quarter against Box Hill Hawks last Saturday.

He said it was out of his control.

Woodward spent time recovering from his fourth ACL injury with dog Koda. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“I got hit after I kicked the footy — it was a downfield free kick. I got hit in the upper body, which put me off balance fairly quickly and I wasn’t able to brace myself. My knee landed awkwardly and I sort of crumbled underneath myself from there,’’ he said.

With the game still going Pies coach Jared Rivers left the box to console his luckless midfielder. After the game Hawks coach Max Bailey headed to the Collingwood rooms to check on his former Hawthorn teammate.

Woodward played two AFL games for Hawthorn in an injury-hit career. Picture: George Salpigtidis

He will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

He has already endured knee reconstructions in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Drafted from Sandringham Dragons, Woodward played two games for Hawthorn in five years cruelled by his injuries.

He joined Collingwood’s VFL team in 2017, only to go down with another ACL rupture in his third game for the club.

Given a clear run at it in 2014, the right-footer won the JJ Liston Trophy as a Hawthorn-listed Box Hill player.

He is among the favourites for this year’s award.

Woodward won the 2014 VFL JJ Liston trophy playing for Box Hill Hawks. Picture: AFL Media

From 17 matches for the Pies he averaged 29 possessions, finishing with the flourish of 31 disposals against Box Hill Hawks before his knee gave away.

In seven home-and-away matches last year Woodward polled 16 votes, flashing home in the count like Cup winner Kiwi to finish only three behind joints winners Anthony Miles and Michael Gibbons.

“I’m not really sure mate. I don’t think any player goes into a season aiming for individual accolades,’’ he said of his prospects of winning a second Liston.

Woodward suffers his second ACL injury, at Hawthorn training in 2013.

“I think my season was fairly consistent. Probably had a bit of a quiet month mid-season when I was getting a fair bit of attention, which is always flattering in terms of what the opposition think of you. I had to learn to deal with that. But overall I had a consistent year and had an impact in most games.’’

He said it would be “truly be a humbling experience to win it again’’.

“I remember in 2014, it was something that took me by surprise. I was overwhelmed by just how much enjoyment and happiness it brought.’’

Woodward believes North Melbourne ruckman Tom Campbell and Coburg midfielder Marcus Lentini will poll well.

The Liston will be counted at Crown Palladium on Monday, September 9.