AFL stars Matthew Kreuzer, Bryce Gibbs announce shock retirements

Two former No. 1 draft picks and ex-teammates have announced their retirements on the same day as they wave goodbye to footy.

Matthew Kreuzer and Bryce Gibbs are calling time on their careers.

AFL stars Matthew Kreuzer and Bryce Gibbs have announced their retirements on the same day.

Carlton ruckman Kreuzer, 31, has been dogged by a foot injury this year and has decided he won’t go around again in 2021.

Gibbs, also 31, moved to Adelaide at the end of 2017 after a decade at Carlton and told teammates today this season will be his last.

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The 2007 No. 1 draft pick, Kreuzer played all 189 of his AFL games for the Blues in a career that was, unfortunately, often hampered by injury.

He’s been out since Round 1 this season, when he fractured his foot in a loss to Richmond, and hasn’t recovered in time to make a farewell appearance.

Carlton recruited Gibbs with pick. No. 1 at the 2006 draft and the classy midfielder went on to play 231 games for the Blue Baggers before signing for the Crows.

His career has suffered since then as he fell out of favour at the South Australian club, struggling for regular game time.

Gibbs will play his final AFL game against his old club when the Crows play Carlton on Sunday.

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Matthew Kreuzer’s body has finally given out on him.

Gibbs’ stint at the Crows hasn’t been very memorable.

Brisbane Lions star Mitch Robinson was full of praise for Kreuzer when news of his retirement filtered through.

“Sad news to hear Kreuzer is retiring, such an injury plagued career but one of the most competitive tractors I’ve played with!” Robinson wrote on Twitter.

“Genuine bloke, big Humphrey congrats on an awesome career mate.”

Broadcaster and diehard Carlton fan Andy Maher added: “Tipping Matthew Kreuzer felt physically good in about 20 of his 189 games. But he kept coming back, kept fronting up and always made his team a better one. Whole hearted and honest, he gave what he had to give.”