Stanton calls time on 255-game AFL career

Prolific midfielder Brent Stanton has joined Essendon teammates Jobe Watson and James Kelly in confirming his AFL retirement.

The 31-year-old is the latest in a stellar group of players who are retiring at the end of this season, led by Luke Hodge, Nick Riewoldt and Bob Murphy.

The writing was on the wall for Stanton, a much-admired figure at Essendon – he has only managed seven senior games this season and spent the second half of the year in the VFL.

Stanton will retire on 255 games, putting him 13th on Essendon’s all-time list.

The durable midfielder had a 10-year stretch between 2006-15 where he played at least 20 games each season.

But then came his year-long doping ban – Stanton was among 34 current and former Essendon players who were punished because of the club’s supplements debacle.

Throughout the four years of the saga, Stanton was one of the players who kept their spirits up.

Stanton could polarise Essendon fans with his disposal, but he has a lofty standing at the club.

“A true Bomber, a popular member of playing group and someone (who) always wanted the best for the club,” Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell tweeted.

During last year’s ban, Stanton mulled over whether he wanted to keep playing.

He was glad he returned, but knew after playing in the round-one win over Hawthorn that this season would be his last.

“It has been a tough decision because you always want to play for as long as you can, but at some point you have got to give it away and move on with life,” he said.

“One chapter ends and another one opens.”

Stanton told teammates of his decision on Thursday morning.

He is in the Essendon VFL team that will play in the finals.

“It would have been nice to finish off on a different note but it has been an amazing experience and I have learnt a lot about myself in this year,” Stanton said.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!