St Kilda veteran and former captain Nick Riewoldt has announced that he will retire at the end of the season, taking with him a remarkable career spanning 17 seasons as a one-club player.
Riewoldt held a press conference at Seaford with coach Alan Richardson on Monday, where he announced the news of hanging up his boots. The Saints champion said that the decision to end his career this year was difficult, especially after stating in recent weeks that he believed he could play another year in the red, white and black. "Like any big decision, it takes time and that's certainly been the case in this situation. Retirement's something that I would never have consciously gone out and explored myself, but that's just the way I'm wired," Riewoldt said on Monday. "There's been a bit of noise this year that's dragged on. The more that's been spoken about, the more that's forced me to really evaluate myself and where I'm at and at times, I've been really defiant in my desire to continue to play." The 34-year old revealed that the biggest struggle was deciding whether he thought he had the strength to play another year. "At times, when I was asking myself (about) the decision (and thinking) is it time, because of all the noise ... I was just fighting myself, saying 'Don't be weak, don't be weak, you've gotten yourself out of that many situations of adversity before that this is no different'," Riewoldt said. "But the longer it went, the more I really internalised the conversation. With a big decision, you speak to those around you that you trust and the more I did that, the more the decision crystallised in my mind that it is the right time. I've given everything I possibly can to the game and the footy club." Riewoldt stated that he believed that it was the right time to retire as his parents Fiona and Joe, wife Catherine, sons James and William, brother Alex, and the entire football club watched on. "I couldn't be more convinced that the time is right for me to retire. I'm really proud that I'm doing so with a litre or two of petrol left in the tank, rather than being run out on the side of the road with the hood up, begging for help," Riewoldt said. Riewoldt's career has been heavily plagued by knee injuries and general soreness. His most recent problem with his knees was when he hyperextended his right knee during the clash against Melbourne in round one. He had to be stretchered off the field, leaving many to believe he had played his last game of football. "It has been (a struggle) for 10 years, but my mindset's always been, and I think it's a strength, to be able to push and find a way and get through that. This whole process was no different. The want for my mind to keep defying and continuing but, no, the time is right and clearly the body plays a part in that," Riewoldt said. Alan Richardson said that he was surprised that Riewoldt decided to call time on his career. "'Rooey' is a person that's been able to find a way for such a long time (so) I was a little but surprised (about the decision) from that perspective," Richardson said. "The reality is that probably the last couple of conversations, I could just sense that he was really thinking about his future and fundamentally, if you're thinking about (whether) you're done, you're done." Riewoldt said that his decision was more-or-less finalised leading up to the clash against the Sydney Swans, two weeks ago. "There wasn't a real epiphany or a fall off the cliff type moment but (it was) more gradual. Probably more recently, going into the Sydney game, I was having more and more of those thoughts internally, in my own quiet time, that reaffirmed that the time was right," Riewoldt said. Many took to Twitter and Instagram to congratulate the Saints star and thank him for what he has brought to the AFL.
Nick Riewoldt was pick number 1 in the 2000 AFL Draft and has played more games than any other number 1 draft pick (333 to date). It was only in his second season (2002) that he won the NAB AFL Rising Star Award and received his first Trevor Barker Award. Riewoldt holds the record for the most games as St Kilda captain (11 seasons) and is third on the list for most games as captain in the AFL.
The six-time best and fairest and five-time All Australian may not be taking a premiership into retirement, but his impact on and off the field will be something worth remembering as a St Kilda player and a champion of the AFL.
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The Match Review Panel have assessed every match of round 19 and laid the following charges.
Sydney Swans forward Lance Franklin has been charged with "making unreasonable or unnecessary contact to the face" of Hawthorn defender Luke Hodge. The incident occurred during the first quarter of the clash between the Hawks and the Swans at the MCG, last Friday. The Panel assessed the incident as "careless conduct with low impact to the head". It is Franklin's second classifiable offence, which is classified as a $2500 sanction. Because he does not have an applicable record that can impact the penalty, Franklin can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea. Hawthorn defender Luke Hodge has been charged with striking Sydney Swans forward Tom Papley. The incident occurred during the second quarter of the game stated above. The Panel assessed the incident as "careless conduct with low impact to the body". Due to the incident being Hodge's third classifiable offence this season, it is classified as a one-match sanction with a $2500 sanction. An early plea allows Hodge to accept a one-match sanction with no financial penalty. Geelong Cats midfielder Patrick Dangerfield has been charged with engaging in rough conduct against Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the clash between Carlton and Geelong at Etihad Stadium, last Saturday. The Panel assessed the incident as "careless conduct with medium impact to the head". The incident was classified as a two-match sanction. Because Dangerfield does not have an applicable record that can impact the penalty, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea. Collingwood midfielder Taylor Adams has been charged with engaging in rough conduct against Adelaide Crows defender Rory Laird. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the clash between the Magpies and the Crows at the MCG, last Sunday. The Panel assessed the incident as "careless conduct with low impact to the head". The incident was classified as a $1500 sanction. Adams can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea. Hawthorn v Sydney SwansFriday, July 28 - MCG - 7:50pm AEST
North Melbourne v MelbourneSaturday, July 29 - Blundstone Arena - 1:45pm AEST
GWS Giants v FremantleSaturday, July 29 - Spotless Stadium - 2:10pm AEST
Port Adelaide v St KildaSaturday, July 29 - Adelaide Oval - 4:05pm ACST
Carlton v Geelong CatsSaturday, July 29 - Etihad Stadium - 7:25pm AEST
Gold Coast Suns v RichmondSaturday, July 29 - Metricon Stadium - 7:25pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v EssendonSunday, July 30 - Etihad Stadium - 1:10pm AEST
West Coast Eagles v Brisbane LionsSunday, July 30 - Domain Stadium - 2:40pm AWST
Collingwood v Adelaide CrowsSunday, July 30 - MCG - 3:20pm AEST
![]() Adelaide Crows star Scott Thompson announced that he will retire at the end of the season, after 17 seasons playing at both Melbourne and the Crows. Thompson has played 308 AFL games throughout his career, but has only played at AFL level once this year. The 34-year old said that he had warned his teammates that if they slacked off, he would take their spot in the senior team. "I told the players, 'Don't slacken up, because I'm right up your a**e and I'll take your spot if you don't watch it," Thompson told reporters on Tuesday. Thompson has polled the most Brownlow Medal votes than any other Crows player, and finished third in 2012. He won back-to-back Malcolm Blight Medals in 2011 and 2012 and was also an All Australian in 2012. Thompson stated that he was privileged to play AFL for so long, despite spending most of the season playing in the SANFL. "I consider it an absolute privilege to have played at the elite level for so many years," Thompson said. "I entered this season knowing it was most likely my last and it has turned out to be one of my most rewarding. "While playing (the) majority of the season in the SANFL, I have realised how much I love the game and in particular helping and mentoring the younger players, and seeing them develop." The Crows veteran was drafted by Melbourne with pick number 16 in the 2000 National Draft. Thompson played 39 games for the Demons before he was traded to the Adelaide Crows at the end of the 2004 season. Crows coach Don Pyke labelled the midfielder a "fantastic leader" and "true champion of the Adelaide Football Club" when speaking to reporters on Tuesday. "From the day he arrived at the club he has been a fantastic leader both on and off the field who has helped those around him improve," Pyke said. "To play such at such a high standard for more than 300 games is a credit to him and his professional approach to the game and he will leave a long-standing legacy at the club." The Crows veteran is still chasing the dream of becoming a premiership player, and still hopes to do so before he hangs up the boots this year. "If fairytales happen, I'll certainly put my hand up for it, but I know exactly where I sit at the moment and worry about what I can control and who knows what happens from there," Thompson said. "I spoke to the boys about doing whatever it takes to chase that ultimate success. "I've played in three losing preliminary finals, 2005, 2006 and 2012, where I thought we had a team that I thought was capable of going all the way, and for whatever reason, it didn't happen. "I'm chasing the Grand Final dream at the moment." Thompson thanked his family, teammates, coaches and club staff for helping him progress in his AFL career. "It is a tough industry and success is hard to achieve unless you have a lot of support and I have been fortunate to have an amazing family, especially my beautiful kids Ava and Harry," he said. "To the Crows members and supporters, I would like to say thanks and there is no doubt you are the most passionate in the country. "The current group is not just full of talent, but also great blokes who have a genuine care for each other and a desire for team success." The Match Review Panel has assessed each match of round 18 and laid the following charges.
Western Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath has been charged with striking Gold Coast Suns forward Tom Lynch. The incident occurred during the first quarter of the clash between the Bulldogs and the Suns at Cazaly's Stadium, last Saturday. The Panel assessed the incident as "intentional conduct with low impact to the head". The incident was classified as a two-match sanction, but because Redpath does not have an applicable record that can impact the penalty, he can accept a one-match suspension with an early plea. Redpath was also charged with a first offence for wrestling against Tom Lynch. The incident occurred during the first quarter of the match stated above. A first offence for wrestling is $1500, but Redpath can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea. Gold Coast Suns forward Tom Lynch has been charged with a second offence for wrestling against Western Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath. The incident occurred during the first quarter of the clash stated above. A second offence for wrestling is $2500, but Lynch can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea. Fremantle forward Michael Walters has been charged with striking Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell. The incident occurred during the second quarter of the clash between Fremantle and Hawthorn at Domain Stadium, last Saturday. The Panel assessed the incident as "intentional conduct with low impact to the body". The incident is classified as a $2500 sanction, due to Walters having an applicable record. He can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea. GWS Giants forward Toby Greene has been charged with striking Richmond defender Alex Rance. The incident occurred during the first quarter of the clash between the Tigers and Giants at the MCG, last Sunday. The Panel assessed the incident as "intentional conduct with low impact to the head". The incident was classified as a two-week suspension, but because Greene has a bad record, he can accept a three-match suspension or two-matches with an early plea. West Coast Eagles midfielder Dom Sheed has been charged with "making careless conduct with umpire David Harris". The incident occurred during the third quarter of the clash between Collingwood and the Eagles at Etihad Stadium, last Sunday. A first offence for making careless contact with an umpire is a $1500 sanction, but because Sheed does not have an applicable record that can impact the penalty, he can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea. Brisbane Lions midfielder Dane Zorko has been charged with striking Carlton defender Lachie Plowman. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the clash between the Lions and the Blues at the Gabba, last Sunday. The Panel assessed the incident as "intentional conduct with medium impact to the body". The incident was classified as a two-match suspension, but because Zorko does not have an applicable record that can impact the penalty, he can accept a one-match suspension with an early plea. Zorko was also charged with striking Carlton youngster Sam Petrevski-Seton. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the clash stated above. The Panel assessed the incident as "intentional conduct with low impact to the body". The incident was classified as a $1500 sanction, but because Zorko does not have an applicable record that can impact the penalty, he can accept a $1000 sanction with an early plea. |
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