Hawthorn premiership defender Trent Croad has announced his retirement from the AFL, citing the effects of his long-standing foot injury.
““We say goodbye to a warrior who has served this club exceptionally well.”” – Jeff Kennett The Hawthorn president praises Trent Croad.
Croad, who has battled for the past season with a foot injury, received medical advice that he could cause permanent damage to his left foot if he continued playing.
Croad, 29, said on Wednesday that he had been given no option but to quit after damaging the foot during the 2008 premiership.
He said he risked losing the use of the foot completely had he continued.
"This has been the most difficult decision of my life," Croad said.
"Although, I know now that my foot is just not able to meet the demanding rigors to play top-level football anymore, coming to the decision to step away from the sport that I love, a club that has been my second home and a game which has given me so much, is really hard.
"I have done everything within my power to try and play AFL football again, but following some time away with my family over Christmas, and further medical advice from my surgeon, I realise that it is my time to retire.
"It has been an honour to play for the Hawthorn Football Club and to win a premiership with this great club.
"I want to thank all my teammates, the football and admin staff and all our members for their support."
Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson said the club had pushed as hard as it could to test whether Croad could play this year, but it had become obvious over the past 10 weeks that would not be possible.
Hawks president Jeff Kennett had great praise for the retiring premiership defender.
"Today we say goodbye to a warrior who has served this club exceptionally well," Kennett said.
"We are terribly disappointed that this decision has had to be made but it has had to for the long-term interests of his own welfare.
"Trent will stay involved with the club as a friend and supporter, and we look forward to seeing his career develop in any way in which he may choose."
Croad retires having won All-Australian honours in 2005.
He also won selection for Australia in the International Rules series of 1999, 2000, and 2005.
Croad joined the Hawks as a first-round selection in the 1997 national draft, and he made his debut in his first season.
He kicking 84 goals from 79 games in four seasons with the club before he went to Fremantle as part of a trade that saw then-No.1 draft pick Luke Hodge and current Hawks captain Sam Mitchell join Hawthorn.
Croad, who played most of his early AFL football as a key forward, was traded back to the Hawks in 2004, and he went about establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the AFL.
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