St Kilda defender James Frawley has announced his retirement from the game for a second time, drawing his tremendous 241-match AFL career to a close.
Frawley retired at the completion of the 2020 season following 139 games over six seasons with Hawthorn, but he then surprised the AFL world when he emerged from retirement to sign with St Kilda just a month later.
The 32-year-old’s time at St Kilda was plagued by injury, with the veteran managing just two games this season.
Frawley began his AFL career with Melbourne, where he played 100 games over eight seasons and earned All-Australian selection in 2010, before joining Hawthorn ahead of season 2015 and winning a premiership with the Hawks.
“I’ve loved my time at St Kilda, albeit I spent more time on the sidelines than I would have liked,” Frawley told St Kilda’s website.
“It’s a club full of great people who all really embraced my family and I.
“I thank (St Kilda head coach) Brett Ratten, (head of list management) James Gallagher and (assistant coach) Jarryd Roughead for the opportunity, and my family for allowing me to have one last crack.
“Now I’m looking forward to retirement and spending more time with the people I love.”
Gallagher said Frawley’s impact on the club was huge despite his limited time on the field.
“We’d like to congratulate James on his accomplished career and thank him for his contribution to the club,” Gallagher said.
“Despite only lining up in Saints colours twice, the influence and experience he’s provided our young backline had been immense.
“‘Chip’ has achieved everything nearly everything possible as an AFL footballer, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
“Our door will remain open for James, Kasey and Sonny now and well into the future.”
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