Collingwood’s Chris Mayne to retire from AFL at season’s end

Veteran Chris Mayne, who has enjoyed a successful AFL career across two different clubs, has made an important call on his future.

Chris Mayne has called time on his career. Pic: Michael Klein

Veteran Collingwood defender Chris Mayne has announced he will retire at the end of this season, putting an end to an accomplished AFL career.

The 32-year-old has performed solidly in the Magpies backline this year but has decided to hang up the boots at season’s end so he can spend more time with his family in Western Australia.

Watch The 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Coming to the end of his 14th year in the AFL system, Mayne has played 245 AFL games, including 172 with Fremantle including the Dockers’ first ever grand final in 2013 alongside the likes of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters.

Mayne moved to Collingwood at the end of 2016, where he has played 73 matches and was a key part of the Magpies 2018 grand final team.

“The time is right, personally and professionally,” Mayne said of his decision to call time on his career.

“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.

“I still love the game and want to continue trying to get a kick at some level next year but at the highest level I recognise it’s getting tougher, not easier.”

Chris Mayne resurrected his career at Collingwood. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

At Fremantle, Mayne made his name as a crafty, sharpshooter in front of goal but later reinvented himself at Collingwood as a wingman and then as a defender.

He has deservedly earned a reputation as a versatile and resilient player who has got the best out of himself across his career.

What a class act Mayney has been for Collingwood. Heart and soul. And to completely remake yourself as an AFL footballer the way he did after arriving at the club has probably been a bit underrated. All the best, Mayne train 🙌🏼 https://t.co/SW53vNG1tV

— James Mottershead (@mottersjames) August 3, 2021

List of @AFL players in last 20 years with 14+ disposals at 100% & 14+ tackles in a game

CHRIS MAYNE - 2018 GF

@CollingwoodFC

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) August 3, 2021

Chris Mayne's resurrection in 2018 epitomised Collingwood's unlikely run to within a couple of minutes of a flag. A strange career but a good one.

— Daniel Cherny 📰 (@DanielCherny) August 3, 2021

Mayne has clearly planned for life after football, having completed a diploma in youth counselling and is set to complete a teaching degree next year.

He has also finished the AFL’s Level Three coaching course and its list management course.

“We all know the last match is coming. I didn’t want to be caught short or unprepared,” he said.

Mayne has the unfortunate statistic of losing two grand finals with two different teams.

“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.

Collingwood general manager of football Graham Wright thanked Mayne for his contribution to the Magpies and his team-first attitude.

“‘Mayney’ leaves us with everyone wishing him, Britt and their children the very best,” he said.

“He gave all he had and we can’t ask for more from any player.”

Collingwood will not make the top eight but Maybe will play the club’s remaining games against Hawthorn, Brisbane and Essendon.