Carlton Departures

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Carlton forward Simon Wiggins has decided to retire after failing to play any senior games in 2010. Wiggins, who played alongside Coach Brett Ratten, debuted in 2001 and has played 116 games for the Blues. Wiggins thanked his family, teammates and the coaching staff for their support and said it had been an enjoyable journey. Ratten described Wiggins as a loyal and selfless team player as well as a popular club man.

Both Shaun Grigg and Sam Jacobs have asked to be traded. Grigg has nominated Richmond as his preferred club while Jacobs wants to return home to South Australia. Grigg debuted in 2007 and played 43 games. He managed just eight matches this year due to injury. Jacobs debuted last year after being promoted from the rookie list and has played 17 games.

Also moving on from his position as an assistant is Brett Montgomery who has rejoined the Western Bulldogs. Montgomery played 78 games for the Bulldogs 1997-2000 and 2006-2007. In between, he played 126 games with Port Adelaide 2000-2005 and was a member of Port's Premiership win in 2004. He has been an assistant at Carlton for the past three years and was a candidate for the Port Adelaide coaching job which went to Matthew Primus. Bulldog manager James Fantasia said the club was excited to have Montgomery back in the fold. He still had strong ties to many of the current players and his knowledge and game approach would be beneficial.

Montgomery said he is looking forward to the new challenge. He had always wanted to return to the Bulldogs and described the players as exciting and talented and on "... on the verge of something special."

Source: heraldsun.com.au, afl.com.au