by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
An ankle injury he has been unable to overcome has forced Cats' ruckman Hamish McIntosh to retire, effective immediately. He will undergo surgery soon and admitted the days leading to his announcement had been a bit emotional and that his decision was sad. McIntosh said "It's sad ... I've been a bit of a mess ... it's been an amazing journey ... for 13 years for ... North Melbourne and here. It's been a ball, it's been so much fun ... ".
McIntosh, 30, was originally drafted by North Melbourne in 2002 but was hampered by injuries in his first two seasons. He finally made his debut early in 2005.