
At the end of February, three-time premiership Tiger forward Jason Castagna, 26, announced his retirement. In making the announcement, he said he had lost his love for the game, “I love everything about this club and everyone in it, which has been the thing that has made this decision the hardest. This game is such a demanding one physically and mentally, and something I have given my all to since I first walked in the doors here and for the years before that. Now that I cannot give that same energy, it has made me realize that I would be letting the boys and the club down if I just coasted through and did not give it my all until the end, which has led me to this call.”
He also said he was grateful for the connections he had made and for the opportunity to share his milestones and achievements with family and friends, “One of my favourite things about playing ... has been that I got to go out on the MCG each week, warm-up with the Castagna name on my back, and represent my family. I will always be proud of that. The connection I feel to this group and the past players that I spent time with here ... is something I will have forever and I am so grateful for that.”
He was drafted in 2014 as a rookie and played 134 games, kicking 127 goals. He started a defender but was eventually moved forward. He had a breakout season in 2017 and was a key in the Tigers' 2017 premiership. He developed a reputation as an excellent runner and pressure player who could also hit the scoreboard through his elite evasiveness and ability to kick on both sides of his body. He and teammate Duston Martin both kicked 25 goals in 2017, 2018, and 2019. His best season was 2019, finishing in the top 10 in the club's best and fairest count and did well in the 2019 Grand Final.
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent Blair Hartley thanked Castagna for his massive contribution and selfless role across his career, “Jason has been the ultimate teammate ... He worked so hard on his craft to become an integral part of our team by playing a team-orientated and disciplined role in our forward line. Jason is so selfless and went about his business with minimum fuss. He set the tone with the pressure he created in the forward half of the ground through effort, grit and the ability to win or halve contests for the team. He has had a terrific career, playing an important role in three premierships, and can walk away proud of his achievements ... he will always be a Richmond Man.”
His retirement opens a spot on the senior list. The Tigers have the option of elevating a player currently on their rookie list or wait until the midseason rookie draft.
Source: Tate Spiteri, Richmond Media Release
Article last changed on Friday, March 03, 2023 - 6:22 AM EST
Comments
yep
He had AFL Premiership wins in 2017 and 2019 with the Richmond Tigers. This is among the great achievements that the Tigers have achieved after many years. Dec.
Jason Castagna is known for his speed, endurance and football intelligence. He can move quickly on offense, create scoring positions and help his teammates. Someone I love very much.
I am truly a big fan of Jason. I admire at him
backrooms