Hawthorn veteran and three-time Premiership player Josh Gibson has today called time on his AFL career.
Watch: Gibbo's press conference
The 33-year-old informed the playing group this morning that he would retire from football at season’s end, after an impressive 13 year career.
“I’ve probably known for most of the year that this would be my last season,” Gibson said.
“I still love coming to the club every day, but as we’ve seen over the past couple of months there are several young guys ready to take over the reins in the back end and I’m more than happy to step aside for them.”
“Since getting injured in Round 12 I’ve been working really hard in my rehabilitation but I’m only back to around 75 percent fitness and given the development of our young defenders, I’m content with the fact that I won’t play another game of AFL footy.
“While I’d love to run out in the brown and gold one more time, I’d never do so at the expense of a young player with their whole career ahead of them. I’m satisfied knowing that I’ll leave the club with nothing left in the tank and with memories and friendships that’ll last a lifetime.
“I would like to thank everyone at Hawthorn Football Club for embracing me and making me the player I am today. This place has become like family and I’ll be forever grateful that Clarko saw something in me back in 2009 and gave me the opportunity to come to Hawthorn and be part of something pretty special.
“I’d also like to thank North Melbourne for taking a chance on me in the Rookie draft back in 2004, the Hawthorn fans and members for embracing me, and Nigel and the team at TLA for their ongoing support.
“Lastly, I’d like to thank all my family and friends, without your support and belief I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Hawthorn Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson paid tribute to Gibson and his contribution to Hawthorn.
“Gibbo has been a great servant of this football club since coming across from North Melbourne at the end of 2009,” Clarkson said.
“He came into our club and embraced the Hawthorn culture and way, but more importantly he became a driver of that culture and a leader amongst the group.
“To be a best and fairest winner in a premiership winning season is an amazing achievement, to do it twice, like Gibbo has managed to do, is something reserved for the elite of our game.
“We’ve seen great development amongst our young defenders this year and the mentorship Gibbo has provided these guys over the last few years is an integral part of what he’s brought to the club.
“I’d like to thank Josh and his family for their fantastic contribution to the Hawthorn Football Club and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”
Gibson debuted in 2006 after being selected by North Melbourne in the 2005 Rookie Draft from Port Melbourne Football Club in the VFL. He was traded to Hawthorn at end of the 2009 season and has since gone on to win three premierships and two Peter Crimmins Medals, both in premiership winning seasons, with the club.
Gibson will be honoured by the club with a lap of honour at half time of the Hawks’ final home game of the year against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in Round 23.
