Lachie Hunter has retired after 199 games following a battle with injuries

His mind was willing but his body wasn’t which moved a premiership winner to retire one game short of a big milestone.

Melbourne wingman and Western Bulldogs premiership player Lachie Hunter says he’s pushed his body “to its absolute limit” after announcing his retirement, aged just 29, and one game short of 200 AFL matches.

Hunter, who played 24 games in his maiden season at the Demons in 2023 after crossing from the Bulldogs was limited to just two in 2024.

He battled calf injuries from the pre-season and then again after finally getting in to the team in round 12, and said he’d “pushed my body to its absolute limit”

Hunter will finish on 199 games, unable to find the physical needs to push on for a 200th game in 2025.

“I’ve loved every moment of my time as an AFL player. I’ve given it my all and pushed my body to its absolute limit,” he said.

“While my mind is willing, my body is clearly telling me that it’s time I move onto the next chapter in life. I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved throughout my career, and while the 2016 Premiership will forever be a highlight, the friendships I’ve built across the journey are just as special.

Thanks Lachie 🤝❤️💙 After a wonderful 12-year career, Hunter has called time on his AFL journey.

📝 | https://t.co/0KEvZ7kdXnpic.twitter.com/crAusEHqJg

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) September 26, 2024

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my AFL career, in particular both the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Football Clubs for giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. The support I’ve received from family, friends, coaches, teammates and the fans has been incredible, and I can’t thank them all enough.

Melbourne football boss Alan Richardson, highlighted Hunter’s resilience and achievements.

“Lachie should be extremely proud of what he has been able to achieve over a long period of time,” said Richardson.

“To play 12 seasons is testament to Lachie’s resilience and work ethic. It is a credit to him as a person that he can walk away from the game, content that he has given absolutely everything he can.

“We wish Lachie all the very best in his next adventure and he and his family will always be welcome at the Melbourne Football Club.”

Hunter, drafted in 2012, was a of the drought-breaking the 2016 Western Bulldogs Premiership team and a former club Best and Fairest winner