After 15 years in the brown and gold, Jarryd Roughead will call time on his illustrious AFL career at the end of the 2019 season.
Roughead will be recalled to the senior side ahead of this weekend’s clash against Gold Coast ensuring Victorian fans an opportunity to say farewell before he hangs up the boots.
A Coleman Medallist, dual All-Australian and four-time premiership player, Roughead says the time is right to embark on the next chapter of his career.
“I’ve had an amazing 15-year journey with the Hawthorn Football Club,” said Roughead.
“I am content with everything I have achieved in my career to date and I know it’s the right time for myself, my family and the club.
“To play this great game for such a long time and to have experienced success like we have is something I’ll never take for granted.
“I want to thank everyone at the Hawthorn Football Club for supporting me through all the highs and lows. The bonds and friendships I’ve made will last a lifetime.
“And lastly, a big thank you to the Hawthorn members and supporters. It’s been an incredibly humbling experience playing in front of you for all these years.”
Relive: Roughead's career in pictures
After 15 years as his coach, Alastair Clarkson paid tribute to the retiring great.
“Rough has been an outstanding custodian of the brown and gold for such a long time,” Clarkson said.
“His football smarts, resilience and intensely competitive spirit are what make him one of those rare, special players that don’t come along too often.
“Like any player who plays for a long period of time, Rough has had to endure both the highs and the lows that life can sometimes present, while playing footy at the elite level. In these times, he has always demonstrated courage, humility and dignity.
“We are lucky to have witnessed such an extraordinary career.
“I’d like to thank Rough, wife Sarah and daughter Pippa for the wonderful impact they have had on our footy club.
“We wish them all the best for their next adventure and they will always be part of the Hawthorn family.”
Roughead was one of three top 10 picks selected by the Hawks in the 2004 draft; after being nabbed with Pick 2, the Leongatha local headed to Waverley alongside future premiership teammates Lance Franklin (Pick 5) and Jordan Lewis (Pick 7).
Making his debut in Round 3 2005, Roughead quickly cemented his place in Hawthorn’s starting line up, demonstrating an ability to play in almost any position on the ground.
In 2008, he won his first premiership of an eventual four – before going on to play an integral role in Hawthorn’s famous three-peat (2013-2015).
In May 2016, Roughead was diagnosed with a recurrence of melanoma, sidelining him for the remainder of the season as he focused on his recovery.
To the delight of the football world, Roughead returned for the start of the 2017 season, going on to captain the club for the next two years.
Roughead has made 282 appearances in the brown and gold, placing him ninth on the club’s all-time games list.
He will hang up the boots as one of the most decorated players of the modern era.
Career highlights:
Games: 282 (at present)
Goals: 572
Captain: 2017-2018
Premiership side: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015
Coleman Medal: 2013
All Australian team: 2013, 2014
Hawthorn leading goal kicker: 2013, 2014, 2017
AFL Rising Star Nominee: 2005
