‘Fiercely loyal’ former Saints skipper calls time on 16-year AFL career

Former St Kilda skipper Jarryn Geary has called time on his AFL career, effective immediately, after 16 seasons in the league.

Jarryn Geary of the Saints. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Former St Kilda skipper Jarryn Geary has called time on his AFL career, effective immediately, after 16 years in the league.

Geary played 207 games for the Saints after making his debut in 2008 and captained the club from 2017 to 2021.

The 34-year old battled several injuries in the latter years of his career — making just three senior appearances since 2021 — including a shoulder setback early this season.

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“I’ve loved the journey I’ve had at the Saints and it’s been something I’ve cherished for over 15 years of my life,“ Geary said.

“I couldn’t have dreamed that when John Beveridge picked me out of Eaglehawk Football Club at Pick 58 in the rookie draft that I would have ended up playing for so long and being captain of this club.

“I want to thank my entire family for their support, but particularly my beautiful wife and our two children Harriet and Freddie. Thank you for sticking by me and supporting me over the years, I couldn’t have done it without you.

“Thank you to Ratts, Matt Finnis, Simon Lethlean and the board for standing by me and backing in my leadership. I’ve learnt a lot from all of you, as well as my past coaches.

“To the boys and all the players I’ve played with over the years, you’ve all made this club so special to me.

“Keep building your trust with one another, that’s the challenge. I know you’re going to succeed sooner rather than later if you keep digging in and hopefully you can continue to climb and give yourselves the opportunity to play in September.”

Geary ha s hung up the boots (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Saints coach Brett Ratten praised Geary for the impact he’s had on the club.

“We would not be in the position we are today without Gears’ leadership, honesty and courage, and on behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for all he has done for St Kilda,” Ratten said.

“It’s always sad when one of your great warriors calls time, but you can’t help but feel immense pride for everything Jarryn has achieved and done for this football club.

“He‘s never backed down or thrown in the towel, he’s always fought hard and put his body on the line for his teammates, and his bravery is rivalled by very few.

“Above all, Jarryn is fiercely loyal, both to his football club and those around him.

“He’s led the club through some challenging times and pushed those around him to improve and bring a high standard consistently.

“Jarryn has the ultimate recognition in football: he has the entire club’s respect for the way he has conducted himself throughout his career.”

Geary will remain in the club’s football program for the remainder of the season in an unofficial role.

St Kilda CEO Simon Lethlean added: “Gears hangs up the boots as one of the most influential and dedicated players to represent the red, white and black.

“As a long-serving captain and leader, Jarryn really put the betterment of this club first and has been unflinching in that mission for the better part of a decade.

“Our next crop of leaders, namely Jack Steele, Dougal Howard, Callum Wilkie and Tim Membrey, have all benefited significantly from Gears’ input, and you can see a number of those elements within all of them as a result of his commitment.

“Gears has now passed on the torch, and it is now up to us to continue his relentless work and loyalty to the ultimate success he pushed us all towards.

“To Jarryn, his wife Emma and children Harriet and Freddie, you will always be a part of the St Kilda family.”

Originally published as ‘Fiercely loyal’ former Saints skipper calls time on 16-year AFL career