By Fran Rimrod
Fremantle Dockers great Stephen Hill has retired after an injury-plagued year, breaking the news to staff in an emotional speech on Tuesday.
One of the Dockers’ “favourite sons”, according to club general manager Peter Bell, the inspirational midfielder will hang up his boots after 218 AFL games.
Dockers great Stephen Hill was visibly emotional as he delivered the news to his teammates.Credit: Fremantle Football Club
Hill, who was drafted in 2008, choked back tears when he told his teammates he was grateful to live out his childhood dream of playing AFL, but said it was the right time to go.
“Obviously the last couple of years for me … my body hasn’t held up,” he said.
He said his injuries had presented a physical and mental challenge.
Hill thanked the coaching staff and paid particular tribute to current Dockers coach Justin Longmuir, wishing he could have played a few more years under Longmuir.
The Dockers will have to finish the 2021 season on the back of the news the inspirational midfielder is leaving.Credit: Fremantle Football Club
“I think there is a great group here. I think you guys are doing some special things here,” he said. “I hope you see some success soon.”
Hill only played 15 games in the past three seasons and did not play any games in the 2021 season due to a string of soft-tissue injuries.