Skip to main content

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Docker Des Headland has retired, citing chronic knee problems as the reason. Headland played in the Semi-Final loss against Geelong last week, his first game since Round Four when he injured his right knee. This time, he injured his left knee. In making the announcement, Headland said it was a case of the mind being willing, but the body being unable to do what he wanted and admitted it had been frustrating not being able to play. He also said that he didn't think he could cope well if he suffered another injury next year, whether in the preseason or season proper. Headland has battled knee and hamstring injuries for the past three seasons. In 2008, a knee injury restricted him to just six games. Last season, he played nine games due to hamstring, knee and quad injuries.

Headland was drafted to Brisbane in 1998 and made his debut in 1999. He played 52 games with the Lions 1999-2002, including the 2002 premiership. He was traded at the end of 2002 to Fremantle. He played 114 games with the Dockers.

Headland already has plans for his future. He wants to get involved with indigenous programs and work with youth as a mentor. He said he had fulfilled his dream of being an AFL player and would now like to help others realize their own dreams and help steer young people in the right direction.

The Dockers will be seeking a suitable trade for Chris Tarrant. Tarrant recently told the club that he wanted to return to Melbourne for personal and business reasons. Tarrant began his career as a forward with Collingwood. He was traded to Fremantle at the end of 2006 and has excelled as a defender in the past few seasons.

Source: Luke Morfesse, Club Media Release; AFL Record Season Guides 2008-2010

Bulldog Nathan Eagleton has announced his retirement. Eagleton began his career with Port Adelaide in 1997 when Port entered the AFL from the SANFL. He played 56 games for the Power before being traded to the Bulldogs. He played 221 games for the Bulldogs.

Eagleton was a Rising Star nominee in 1997, played in the International Rules in 1999 and 2005 and won the club Match Committee Award in 2004. General Manager James Fantasia said he was speaking for everyone at the Bulldogs when he said that Eagleton had been fantastic for the club.

Source: David McNamara, Club Media Release

Saints' ruckman Steven King has decided to retire at the end of the season. He will go straight from playing into a coaching role with the Saints, joining former Essendon player Peter Berbakov who spent several seasons as an assistant at Sydney and former Saint champion Robert Harvey. Harvey has spent the past several seasons as an assistant at Carlton but is returning to the Saints. They will replace current assistants Tony Elshaug, Stephen Silvagni and Andy Lovell.

King debuted for the Geelong Cats in 1996 and played 193 games with the Cats, including the 2007 premiership. He was traded to the Saints at the end of 2007 and has played 47 games with the Saints. He earned All-Australian selection in 2002 and was Geelong captain 2003-2006. King managed just six games for the Saints this season.

Several other recently retired players have also headed into coaching roles. Retired Magpie Shane O'Bree has joined the Gold Coast as an assistant while former Crow Brett Burton has joined Brisbane as a physical performance manager. Burton has a degree in sports science. His former teammate Simon Goodwin is in Melbourne where he has already fielded offers from several clubs for an assistant coach role. It is believed St Kilda, Hawthorn, Collingwood and Carlton are interested in his services. Goodwin has an ambition to be a senior coach in the future.

Source: afl.com.au

Article last changed on Friday, September 24, 2010 - 5:39 AM EDT


Recent content

Partners

Worldfootynews.com

Our Favorite Footy Podcasts

A Yank on the Footy

 

Donnie's Disposal

 

Americans Watching the Footy

Shorten URLs

*

 

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.