‘I’d feel sick’: Bulldogs Premiership captain Easton Wood retires aged 32

Western Bulldogs 2016 Premiership captain Easton Wood has dropped a bomb on the club in an incredible act of selflessness.

Easton Wood has nothing left to prove. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Easton Wood, the captain who led the Western Bulldogs to end the club’s 62-year premiership drought in 2016, has announced he will retire despite one year left on his contract.

The 188-game veteran is just 32-years-old but decided to call it quits after 14 years in senior AFL, after he was the 43rd pick of the 2007 Draft.

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A 2015 All-Australian, 2015 recipient of the Charles Sutton Medal as the Western Bulldogs’ best and fairest and just the second premiership skipper in the club’s history, Wood leaves the club after another huge season that saw the Bulldogs finish runners up to the Melbourne Demons.

Wood was thrust into the captaincy in 2016 after Bob Murphy suffered a season-ending injury in round three of the season, before leading the club to end what was the longest drought in the AFL at the time.

Wood was named the Bulldogs club captain in 2018 and 2019, before handing over to Marcus Bontempelli, but remained part of the side’s leadership group.

But injury setbacks have been more regular as his career progressed after a hamstring injury in round nine against Port Adelaide that sidelined him for six weeks. It had been his third hamstring injury of the season and the 20th of his career.

Wood and Bob Murphy lift the trophy. Photo: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Speaking to The Age, Wood said that he wouldn’t feel right continuing on only to break down next season as the Bulldogs chased another premiership.

“No matter how much I was getting paid next year, if I felt like I was just rocking up to get a pay cheque knowing that ‘jeez at any moment if I pinged a string or I got dropped that I could just pull the pin’ and leave the club high and dry, I’d feel sick about that,” he said. “I don’t think I’d be able to ever reconcile that, no matter how much was coming back the other way.”

In a statement shared by the Western Bulldogs, Wood said it was the right time to step away from the game.

“After much thought I’ve decided to retire from the game I love so much, at a club which has been my home for 14 years,” he said.

“Whilst it’s been difficult to confront, the reality is I’ve athletically declined. I wanted to finish up on my own terms and I felt that if I declined further next year, I wouldn’t have that opportunity. I’m proud to go out as a member of the team and being part of an amazing run to get to the Grand Final.

“Having dealt with numerous injury setbacks over the last few years, in particular my troublesome hamstrings, I felt like the time was right to step away. I’m at peace with the decision, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life.

“As I reflect on my career, I’m incredibly proud of my contribution to this special football club. To every person who has had an influence on my career, on or off the field, thank you for making me a better player and person.

“There have been some up and downs along the journey, but I’m leaving the game content that I gave everything I had, backed by my family, friends, and the loyal and passionate Bulldogs members and fans.

“The Club is in such great hands, and I can’t wait to sit back and support the boys as a fan in the years to come.”

Easton Wood retires a Western Bulldogs champion. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge led the tributes to Wood, praising what he had done not just for the team but the organisation as a whole.

“We’ve been extremely fortunate to have Easton as part of our organisation for as long as we have,” he said.

“It’s not often we find a player who is universally admired for his football ability, but also the impact he has on those around him. Easton has left a lasting impression on everyone associated with the Club, and we’re better for having worked with him.

“Not only was he meticulous in his preparation and yearned to maximise his potential as a professional athlete, but he succeeded in being an influential leader and he always spent the time to make others better.

“It’s a shame that Easton didn’t have the opportunity to communicate the news and say his goodbyes directly to the players, coaches and staff, but we’ll find an opportunity to farewell him in person later this year.

“We wish Easton, Tiff, Tilly and Freddie all the best, and they will be forever welcome at our club.”

Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains also paid tribute, tweeting: “All-star career from an all-star person. Thank you for being such a critical contributor on-field and culturally. Our Club @westernbulldogs will forever be grateful for all that you have done @easton_wood”.

Former teammate Josh Hill also wrote: “What an amazing career this guy has had, from those first days back at the dogs being the young pup to now enjoying retirement as a premiership player. Congratulations mate on an amazing career.”

Man, shocked to hear @easton_wood retired. Always a Bulldogs legend

— Josh Lloyd (@redrock_bball) October 22, 2021

Easton Wood may be one of the most underrated players of the last decade. What a career, and what a list of achievements he has. A humble champion.

— James Mottershead (@mottersjames) October 22, 2021

I know most roles are filled for 2022 but what a great addition Easton Wood would be for an AFL coaching staff, if he had the inclination.

— Ashley Browne (@hashbrowne) October 22, 2021

Originally published as ‘I’d feel sick’: Bulldogs Premiership captain Easton Wood retires aged 32