Collingwood defender Jordan Roughead has played his last AFL match, announcing his immediate retirement from the game.
The 31-year-old told teammates this morning that the round five match against Brisbane in April was his final match.
Roughead has battled shoulder and finger injuries in recent times.
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“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,” Roughead 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.”
A veteran of 201 games over 13 seasons, Roughead was a member of the Bulldogs’ drought-breaking 2016 premiership team.
Traded to the Magpies ahead of the 2019 season, Roughead played just one game this season. He had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in February, followed by finger surgery after the match against the Lions.
“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,” Roughead said.
“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.”
Roughead’s retirement gives the Magpies an extra selection at next week’s mid-season rookie draft.
“‘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,” said Collingwood football boss, Graham Wright.
“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.”
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