Skip to main content

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Adelaide champion Andrew McLeod announced his immediate retirement due to his inability to overcome a knee injury. McLeod, 34, would like to have played a farewell game in the final round but admitted that his knee would not withstand the stress. McLeod had knee surgery earlier in the season and has not recovered as well as expected. He said he was stepping aside to give a younger player an opportunity even though it is the last round and the Crows have no chance for of a Finals appearance.

McLeod's last game was in Round 16, which was his first game back after missing a month due to knee surgery. After that game, the knee problems flared up again. McLeod will do a lap of honor with fellow retirees Brett Burton, Simon Goodwin, Trent Hentschel and Tyson Edwards prior to the Round 22 game.

ANDREW MCLEOD
DEBUT: 1995
GAMES: 340 (club games record holder)
GOALS: 275
HONORS: 1997-98 Premierships; club Best and Fairest 1997, 2001, 2007; All-Australian 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007 (captain); 1997-98 Norm Smith Medal (Grand Final best on ground), Indigenous Team of the Century, 2001 Brownlow Medal runner-up; International Rules series 2001, 2002, 2005 (co-Captain), 2001 AFL Players Association MVP, 2003 preseason Premiership, 2003 Michael Tuck Medal (preseason Grand Final best on ground)

Forward Trent Hentschel, currently sidelined with a back problem, has also retired. Hentschel, who has played just 71 games in nine injury-ravaged seasons, said his battered body could not withstand the rigors of AFL football. He debuted in 2003 and had his best season in 2006, booting 42 goals from 19 games. In Round 21, he suffered a horrific knee injury which required four operations. At the time his doctor compared the damage to that of a car accident victim.

Hentschel spent two years recovering and playing in the SANFL, with hamstring problems preventing his return to the AFL side until 2009. He played his first game late in 2009, but the knee problems flared up again the following week and required more surgery. He returned late in the season and performed so well in five games that the club gave him a one year contract extension. He played a further three games at the start of this season, but since then has been sidelined with hamstring, knee and back problems. He is still hoping for a chance to play for SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens in their Finals series.

Coach Neil Craig praised Hentschel for his perseverance, determination and character over the years to comeback from his injuries. Hentschel thanked the club and the medical staff for giving him his chance to play AFL football and for their support and help in his attempted recoveries.

Source: alf.com.au; David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release

Fremantle midfielder Paul Hasleby has announced his retirement. As of August 24, he is a slim chance to play his final game in Round 22. He was a late withdrawal the previous week due to knee swelling. Hasleby, 29, debuted in 2000 and has played 207 games with the Dockers. He was an instant star in his debut with a 30-possession game against Geelong in front of a home crowd at Subiaco.

Hasleby's 2008 season ended in a preseason game when a knee injury was found to require a knee reconstruction. He returned the following season, played all 22 games and was the club's leading ball winner. In announcing his retirement, he said there was so much talent at the club, all of whom had "... the eye of the tiger, ready to take on the challenge of an AFL career." He said it was that abundance of talent and youth which led him to his decision to retire.

Coach Mark Harvey remarked on how Hasleby came to the club as an 18 year old student and progressed to be a leader and tutor to the younger players who followed over the years. He also acknowledged Hasleby's will to overcome his knee injury.

PAUL HASLEBY
GAMES:297
GOALS: 131
HONORS: All-Australian 2003, International Rules Series 2003, Rising Star winner 2000, 2nd in Best and Fairest 2000 & 2004

Source: Luke Morfesse, Club Media Release

Brisbane has told Troy Selwood that he will be delisted at the end of the season. Selwood, who will miss the final round after suffering cracked ribs in Round 21, is the twin brother of Eagle Adam Selwood and younger brother of Geelong's Joel Selwood. A fourth brother Scott is on West Coast's list. Coach Michael Voss hoped Selwood would find another club to extend his six year career. Voss described Selwood as an outstanding person who was loved by his teammates. Selwood, 26, has played 26 games and kicked 11 goals for Brisbane since his debut in 2005. He was a Rising Star nominee in his debut season.

Source: afl.com.au

Melbourne has delisted forward Brad Miller and defender Daniel Bell. Bell debuted in 2004 and played 66 games. Miller, who refused a farewell game in Round 22 in favor of playing in the VFL Finals, has played 133 games since his debut in 2002. Bell already plans to nominate for the upcoming draft. Both thanked the club for the opportunity given to them and said they understood the direction the club was opting for with their focus on youth. Coach Dean Bailey issued the usual thanks to the duo for their service to the club and wished them the best for the future.

Source: Ryan Larkin, Club Media Release

Article last changed on Thursday, August 26, 2010 - 9:58 PM EDT


Recent content

Partners

Worldfootynews.com

Our Favorite Footy Podcasts

A Yank on the Footy

 

Donnie's Disposal

 

Americans Watching the Footy

Shorten URLs

*

ENJOY Three Months Free! 

VPN for Sports!

  • Need to access sports broadcasts that are blocked in your area? You need a VPN!
  • With ExpressVPN, you get a flexible VPN service that can be adjusted on the fly.
  • More than 105 countries suppoorted.
  • The best part? Click on this offer and get 3 months FREE!

We Recommend:

ENJOY 40% OFF SITEWIDE!

  • The future of vitamins is here! Say goodbye to generic multivitamins cluttering your table top. 
  • With Vitable, you get personalized daily vitamin packs tailored to your unique diet, lifestyle and health needs.
  • All you need to do is complete a simple online quiz and unlock your expert recommendation. 
  • Join the 400,000+ people embracing the Vitable way with 40% OFF your first order
  • Use the promo code AFANA40 at checkout.