AFL retirements: 13 big names that footy fans will farewell
Cale Hooker says ‘representing this jumper is something I will never take for granted’. Fans shouldn’t take for granted what these 13 retiring stars did for the game, either.
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Carlton has lost three fan favourites, Richmond is saying goodbye to a triple premiership hero and Essendon is seeing off one of its long-time stalwarts as the retirement season moves into overdrive.
In the space of a week, the Blues learned that Eddie Betts, Marc Murphy and Levi Casboult were calling time this year.
At Richmond, David Astbury announced he was finishing his AFL career, and loyal Essendon star Cale Hooker told the Bombers he won’t play on next year.
In the past week, here are the 13 big names we are about to farewell. So from all footy fans: Goodbye and good luck!
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CARLTON
Eddie Betts
Champion forward Eddie Betts plays his last and 350th game against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday August 21.
Betts, 34, said he was grateful to have been able to express himself on the field for as long as he has.
“My father taught me to be nice, to be kind, to treat everyone equally and to put smiles on people’s faces,” Betts said.
“I love to kick goals; I love to entertain. The dream was to play AFL football, to play one game. Here I am now 17 years later, 350 games to finish on. I kind of pinch myself to be honest.”
Betts moved to Melbourne as a 15-year-old in the hope of chasing his dream after spending his formative years in Port Lincoln and Kalgoorlie. He played his first game for Carlton in 2005 against North Melbourne and only 28 VFL/AFL footballers have kicked more than Betts’ 638 goals.
He won goal of the year four times, was named All-Australian three times and played in a Grand Final for Adelaide, losing to Richmond in 2017.
Marc Murphy
Marc Murphy played his 300th and final game for Carlton against Port Adelaide on Saturday, August 14.
Murphy became the sixth Blues star to achieve the incredible feat of 300 appearances for the club after John Nicholls, Bruce Doull, Craig Bradley, Stephen Silvagni and Kade Simpson.
The 34-year-old was the No. 1 pick in the 2005 national draft and made his debut in round 1 of the 2006 season.
“Being recruited to Carlton back as an 18-year-old was a dream come true, and looking back over my career now, it really has been extremely rewarding and I feel very grateful to be a Carlton man,” Murphy said.
“There have certainly been some tough times along the way, but equally, I’ve experienced some incredible highs – including being captain, which was an honour I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
“It will feel very different not walking into this club every day that I’ve called home, but I’m very lucky to have been able to do that these past 16 seasons with some incredibly fond memories and lifelong mates.
Levi Casboult
Levi Casboult’s 12-year Carlton career is over after 154 goals in 153 games.
The 31-year-old versatile big man also spent time in the ruck and down back after being recruited in the rookie draft in 2009.
“The opportunity to call Carlton home and live out my boyhood dream over the past 12 years has been incredible,” Casboult said.
“To be departing the club with life membership and after reaching the 150-game milestone earlier this year, is something I am incredibly proud of and am honoured to have been able to achieve.
“So many people at this football club have shown faith in me over the course of my career and I am extremely grateful for the support I have received; both internally from a staffing and player point of view, and externally from my family, friends and all Carlton members and supporters.”
Casboult kicked a career-most 34 goals to lead the Blues’ tally in 2017, and finished fifth in the club’s best and fairest two years ago after playing in the backline and the ruck.
COLLINGWOOD
Chris Mayne
Collingwood veteran Chris Mayne will hang up the boots at season’s end.
The Pies player retires after 14 years with both Collingwood and Fremantle.
“The time is right, personally and professionally,” Mayne said.
“From a family perspective, Britt and I have two young children and we want them to settle and share more time with our families in Perth. From a football perspective, I don’t feel that I can squeeze much more out of myself.”
Mayne was a key cog in Ross Lyon’s 2013 grand final side with the Dockers, establishing himself as a mercurial forward before making the move to Collingwood in 2018, where he reinvented himself as a wingman and defender.
After a tough first-year at the Pies following his high-profile trade, Mayne became one of the teams’ most reliable performers and fell back in love with footy.
A career in coaching or teaching is on the cards for the 32-year-old, who has a level three AFL coaching course and AFL list management course.
“We all know the last match is coming. I didn’t want to be caught short or unprepared. I hope that I can pass on my experiences as a player, at two wonderful clubs, in some fashion. As I said, I still love the game,” Mayne said.
ESSENDON
Cale Hooker
Essendon’s forward line will revolve around boom youngster Harry Jones next year with spearhead Cale Hooker set to retire at the end of the season.
Hooker, 32, was new coach Ben Rutten’s focal point this season and kicked 33.24 in 18 games before he was dropped last month.
The swingman and eligible free agent was open to going on in 2022, but the Bombers are keen to fast-track the development of 22-year-old Jones and teenagers such as Nik Cox, Kaine Baldwin and Zach Reid.
It is set to be a quiet off-season for the Bombers with list manager Adrian Dodoro already safely locking away prized players Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Jake Stringer.
Hooker has been a magnificent servant for the Bombers, playing 219 games and earning All-Australian honours in 2014 as a defender.
Hooker claimed a best-and-fairest playing at the other end of the ground the following season.
The West Australian’s retirement means the Bombers have almost moved on entirely from the 2012 drugs saga, with captain Dyson Heppell and injured defender Michael Hurley set to be the only players on Essendon’s 2022 list who took part in the supplements program.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity the club has given me and I will leave the game at the end of the season knowing I left no stone unturned to give the club, my teammates and the fans everything I had,” Hooker said.
“Representing this jumper is something I will never take for granted.”
FREMANTLE
Stephen Hill
Fremantle speedster Stephen Hill has also announced his retirement after 218 games with the Dockers.
Hill has been plagued by a number of injuries in recent years, managing just 15 games across the past two seasons.
The winger was a prominent part of Ross Lyon’s 2013 grand final side and will be forever remembered for his trademark dash.
The 31-year-old told teammates of his decision to hang up the boots on Tuesday morning.
“I’ve met some incredible people along the way and it’s definitely hard to say goodbye, but I know it’s the right time,” Hill said.
“In the last couple years, my body hasn’t held up and it’s been difficult physically and mentally, it’s been a challenge.
“I’m just so grateful to have been able to play for 13 years with 200-plus games. I’m super proud and extremely grateful.”
GOLD COAST
Jarrod Harbrow
Veteran star Jarrod Harbrow became the fourth Gold Coast Suns player in as many days to announce his retirement - following the decisions of Zac Smith, Jack Hombsch and Jordan Murdoch to hang up the boots.
Harbrow, 34, has joined the playing group in Melbourne this week, with the club confirming the talented defender will play his 262nd and final AFL match this weekend against the Swans at Marvel Stadium.
“I’ve been really lucky that the game of AFL football has given me this opportunity to live out a dream and helped me set up my family with a great start to life,” the Gold Coast Football Club life member said.
“I’m appreciative of everyone that has played a big part in my career.
“I’d like to thank my family, mum and dad, my brothers and all my family up in Cairns and down in Mooroopna in country Victoria.”
After playing four season with the Western Bulldogs, Harbrow became the fifth uncontracted player to join the Suns in 2010.
Since then, he has played 11 seasons with the Gold Coast, including the 2018 Club Champion award.
HAWTHORN
Shaun Burgoyne
Hawthorn legend Shaun Burgoyne has confirmed he will play his 407th and final game on Saturday.
The Hawks strongly hinted last year that this 20th season in the AFL would be Burgoyne’s last but he made that official with his teammates on Thursday morning.
Burgoyne last month became just the fifth player in VFL/AFL history to play 400 games, bringing up the extraordinary milestone against his old team Port Adelaide.
No Indigenous footballer has played more matches at the top level than the 38-year-old.
This weekend’s game against Richmond will be Burgoyne’s 250th in brown and gold, after 157 for the Power, where he played in the club’s breakthrough 2004 premiership.
The man known as ‘Silk’ was also a key contributor in the Hawks’ 2013-15 flag three-peat, to go with his All-Australian selection in 2006.
Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney said Burgoyne’s on- and off-field feats were comparable to every other footballer in the game’s history.
“I know I speak on behalf of anyone and everyone that has crossed paths with Shaun over his football journey in saying that it has been an honour to work alongside a man of his character and skill,” McCartney said.
“He is the epitome of what we value at Hawthorn, with his immense commitment to family values, while also possessing a relentlessness to constantly strive to get the best out of himself, as well as those around him.
“He is an incredible father and husband and on behalf of the Hawthorn Football Club, I would like to wish Shaun, Amy and their four kids – Ky, Leni, Percy and Nixie – all the best in the next chapter of their lives.”
Burgoyne has already appeared in 17 matches this year, while combining his playing duties with an off-field advisory role with the Hawks’ development and Indigenous programs.
PORT ADELAIDE
Tom Rockliff
Retiring Port Adelaide star Tom Rockliff says his blood clots have not gone away so the risk is too high to keep playing football.
Rockliff has been sidelined since injuring both his knees in a SANFL game in May and then sustaining deep vein thrombosis in his calf that spread clots to his lungs.
He finishes on 208 games — 154 with Brisbane and 54 at Port Adelaide
“It’s not the Shane Crawford ‘that’s what I’m talking about’ moment (after a premiership) but unfortunately the blood clots haven’t cleared for me,” Rockliff said at his retirement press conference.
“I spoke to the boys before about turning up as an 18-year-old being overweight, can’t run, can’t jump, can’t do this, can’t do that, can’t kick over 30 (metres) and I leave the game exactly the same way, but I’ve been able to play 200 along the way.”
Taken by Brisbane at pick 5 in the 2009 pre-season draft, Rockliff was a captain and two-time All-Australian at the Lions before joining the Power as a free agent at the end of 2017.
He said Port Adelaide had not seen him at his best but he cited playing his first final — against Geelong last year — as a career highlight.
“To go 200 games without playing in one … and then to have that feeling after the game when you win a qualifying final is something I’ll never forget,” said Rockliff, who placed eighth in the Power’s best and fairest last year.
RICHMOND
David Astbury
Three-time Richmond premiership defender David Astbury will play his 155th and final game against Hawthorn this weekend after calling time on his “joy ride” football career.
“I am really humbled by the football club wanting to keep me around, but I know this decision is right for me and for the club going forward,” Astbury said.
“I am so proud that I have fulfilled my career and my dream at one club, this club.
“People say it is just a game, and they have got a point. It is a game. But that is not the reason that you do it. This group has delivered hope, purpose, connection and joy to our people – the Richmond people. It is really special, and I am proud of that.”
Taken at pick 35 in the 2009 national draft, Astbury began his career as a forward and kicked three goals on debut in Round 4, 2010.
He finally got his body right again in 2016 and played 19 games that season before featuring in every game in 2017 including helping the Tigers to their first premiership in 37 years.
Injuries have again struck over the past two years, though, including Achilles, ankle and knee issues. Astbury missed 12 games through injury last year and has been sidelined for five matches this season.
Bachar Houli
All-Australian defender Bachar Houli has followed Davis Astbury in announcing the end of his AFL career, not even a week after declaring on radio he “100 per cent” wanted to play on.
The 33-year-old won’t play this weekend and finishes on 232 games, including 206 for Richmond, after quitting Essendon in 2010 in search of more senior opportunities.
Houli finished in the top 10 of the Tigers’ club champion award seven times in the past decade and made the All-Australian team in 2019.
“I have been fortunate enough to play at two great clubs, and to be a part of the history of this game,” he said.
“Not only did I want to play as many games as possible, but I wanted to educate Australia about my faith (and) about the religion of Islam, the religion of peace.
“I hope I have left a sense of peace in everyone’s heart. I sincerely thank the club and the AFL for allowing me to be me.
“Thank you to the (entire) Richmond Football Club, from Peggy (O’Neal), to the chief (Brendon Gale), to the amazing Tiger Army ... for allowing me to be a part of this amazing organisation.
“It’s time to go fishing, Tiger for life.”
Houli made a huge impact off the field as well, including founding the Bachar Houli Foundation, which helps produces young leaders in the Muslim community.
The Bachar Houli Program, launched in 2013, was the first Muslim football academy in Australia and has since reached more than 35,000 participants.
ST KILDA
Jake Carlisle
Jake Carlisle has played his final game for the Saints.
The Saints have informed the 29-year-old, who is recovering from a second bout of back surgery in three years, that he won’t be offered a contract for next season.
The decision almost certainly brings an end to Carlisle’s career after 151 AFL games for St Kilda and Essendon.
He played at both ends of the ground at times and even in the ruck, but predominantly in his preferred position as a key defender and was among the competition’s best in his prime.
Carlisle requested a trade from the Bombers after the 2015 season, with the Saints winning his services over the likes of Hawthorn, Carlton, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
He had a rocky start with his new club, when footage emerged on the day he was traded of him appearing to use recreational drugs.
Carlisle’s St Kilda debut was put on hold because of Essendon’s supplements scandal that resulted in him and former teammates being suspended for all of 2016.
But he was a strong contributor in his first two seasons at the Saints before his back troubles flared in the 2019 pre-season.
Carlisle bounced back to play 13 games last year and would have been part of St Kilda’s finals campaign, but chose to leave the hub to be by his partner Mel’s side for the birth of their third child.
He underwent back surgery again in May this year after feeling pain during a training session and is still recovering.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Lin Jong
Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong has called time on a 10-year AFL career after battling a spate of injuries.
The 28-year-old finishes his career with 65 AFL games after being recruited with pick 9 in the 2011 rookie draft.
But he managed just one AFL appearance this season – in round 6 against the GWS Giants when he suffered a serious hamstring injury.
It continued a horror run in recent years, and with no chance to return in 2021, Jong has announced his retirement.
“I’ve done everything I can to try to get back out there this year, but unfortunately time’s run out on me being able to do that, and I’m comfortable that it’s the right time to hang up the boots,” Jong said.
“For the past 10 years I’ve been fortunate to play football at the highest level for the Western Bulldogs.
“I’ve come a long way as a person and a footballer in that time, and I’m really proud of everything I’ve achieved.
“There have been some injury setbacks, but I wouldn’t have my journey any other way.
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