Collingwood defender Jordan Roughead retires aged 31

Magpies defender Jordan Roughead, who won a premiership with the Bulldogs in 2016, has retired from the AFL.

Jordan Roughead of the Magpies. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Collingwood defender Jordan Roughead has retired from the AFL, hanging up the boots aged 31.

As first revealed by AFL Media, the 2016 premiership player informed his Magpies teammates of his decision to step away from the game on Friday morning.

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Roughead, the cousin of Hawthorn great Jarryd, has been sidelined for most of the 2022 season due to ongoing shoulder and finger injuries, playing only one game this year against the Brisbane Lions in Round 5.

“Coming into this season I knew that it was likely to be my last. I’ve had an ongoing shoulder issue for the last few years and knew at some point I would have to make a decision,” he said.

“The last month or so I have spent some time thinking about when I would make the call. This is not a decision I am making because I want to but a decision I am making for my long-term health and my family as well.

“Playing footy gave me the ability to contribute to something that was greater than just me and what I was ever going to be able to accomplish on my own. I have never been the fittest, strongest, or best kick. I found a way to squeeze all the juice out of my lemon and be a part of something bigger than myself.

“At the start of the year we spoke about how we were going to honour this football jumper. I spoke about how I’m going to support everyone in this room, and I was going to commit to that for the year. It is not going to stop now, and I will be here until the end of the year in some capacity.”

Sad to hear that Jordan Roughead has announced his retirement! He is such a great advocate, great player & great bloke! Best wishes for the future @[e-mail]/tWUism1DXg

— Janine Coombs (@janine_coombs) May 26, 2022

Congrats to Jordan Roughead, forever remembered as key player in @westernbulldogs flag. Game saver: Contested grab, centre square, last term as Swans pinged kick out up middle post JJ goal review. Massive.

— Mark Stevens (@StevoMedia) May 26, 2022

Roughead played 201 games across his 14-year footy career, making his debut for the Western Bulldogs in 2010.

He helped the Bulldogs win its historic premiership in 2016, amassing 13 disposals and 17 hit-outs in the grand final against the Sydney Swans before he was traded to Collingwood in October 2018.

“‘Roughy’ leaves the football program with everyone wishing him all the very best. He has been an integral part of our club, on and off the field,” Collingwood’s general manager of football Graham Wright said in a statement.

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

“Although he’s not going to play, he’s not lost to the program. Roughy will work across a number of areas in the football department for the remainder of the year.”

Jordan Roughead of the Magpies. Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Originally published as Collingwood defender Jordan Roughead retires aged 31