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Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead has called time on his AFL career and will be given a farewell game against Gold Coast.
The four-time premiership player has largely been confined to the VFL this season but will be recalled to the senior team for Sunday’s clash at Marvel Stadium.
A two-time All-Australian, Coleman Medallist and former club captain, Roughead has played 282 games for the Hawks.
Roughead’s retirement was made official on Monday but his inability to get a game for much of this season meant it had been coming for some time.
Hawks fans will at least get the chance to farewell the 32-year-old, something they were denied with fellow club greats Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis.
Both Mitchell and Lewis were encouraged by coach Alastair Clarkson to find new homes in the twilight of their careers, going on to play for West Coast and Melbourne respectively.
Roughead will be fondly remembered not just for his on-field achievements but for the courage he showed during his battle with cancer.
The key forward was diagnosed with a recurrence of melanoma in May 2016 but returned at the start of 2017 after successfully undergoing treatment.
“I am content with everything I have achieved in my career to date and I know it’s the right time for myself, my family and the club,” Roughead said in a club statement.
“To play this great game for such a long time and to have experienced success like we have is something I’ll never take for granted.
“I want to thank everyone at the Hawthorn football club for supporting me through all the highs and lows. The bonds and friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.
“And lastly, a big thank you to the Hawthorn members and supporters. It’s been an incredibly humbling experience playing in front of you for all these years.”
After making his debut in 2005, Roughead quickly cemented his spot in the senior side and was part of the Hawks’ 2008 premiership team.
The versatile tall was in his prime during the Hawks’ 2013-15 premiership three-peat, booting 72 goals in 2013 to win the Coleman Medal.
“Rough has been an outstanding custodian of the brown and gold for such a long time,” Clarkson said.
“Like any player who plays for a long period of time, Rough has had to endure both the highs and the lows that life can sometimes present, while playing footy at the elite level.
“In these times, he has always demonstrated courage, humility and dignity. We are lucky to have witnessed such an extraordinary career.”
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