Geelong premiership ruckman Rhys Stanley has announced his retirement.
The 35-year-old played 172 AFL matches for the Cats, but he made just one appearance this year as youngster Mitch Edwards took a giant leap forward.
Stanley missed out on yesterday’s VFL grand final loss to Box Hill after suffering a pectoral injury during the preliminary final win over Melbourne.
He joined Geelong from St Kilda during the 2014 trade period, after 58 AFL appearances with the Saints.
“Thank you to the St Kilda Football Club for giving this lanky country boy an opportunity way back in 2008, and to the Geelong Football Club for helping shape the person I am today,” Stanley said.
“There are so many special people at the Cats who have made my family’s and my time in football as enjoyable as it could possibly be.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, but gee, it’s been fun. Memories and friendships that will be with me forever.”
Stanley spent 12 seasons at Geelong, with the 2022 premiership the highlight.
“Rhys has been an important part of our club over the last 12 seasons, and we congratulate him on his fantastic career,” Mackie said.
“Very few players have established themselves at a new club as successfully as Rhys did. He has been a consistent part of our side for the best part of a decade and within that has been a dependable contributor who adapted to whatever role the team required of him.
“Rhys departs the club as a Premiership player, a highly respected and well-liked teammate, and someone who has played an important role in supporting the development of our emerging rucks in recent seasons. It’s a reflection of the person and teammate he has been throughout his time at Geelong.
Stanley is the Cats’ second retirement following the mid-season departure of Tyson Stengle.
Seven players remain out of contract, including premiership defenders Jed Bews and Jake Kolodjashnij; fringe midfielders Jack Bowes, George Stevens and Mitch Knevitt; young big man Jacob Molier; and rookie Keighton Matofai-Forbes.
X: @krockfootball
