Dual premiership player Brent Guerra has today announced his retirement from AFL football.

Recruited to the Club in 2006 after stints at Port Adelaide and St Kilda, Guerra has played a total of 255 AFL games (159 Hawthorn, 65 Port Adelaide, 31 St Kilda) and kicked 108 goals in a career spanning 14 years (eight with the Hawks).

The rugged half back is a member of Hawthorn’s 2008 and 2013 premiership sides and notched up his 250th AFL game in Round 19, 2013.

A player in Central District’s 2001 SANFL premiership team coached by Alastair Clarkson, who was influential in recruiting Guerra to the Hawks, the defender informed the Club today of his decision.

Having recently undertaken a Level 2 coaching accreditation course, and a diploma of management, Guerra has been working with TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers over the past few years and hopes to remain in the game in a coaching capacity.

Having coached Guerra for almost a decade across AFL and SANFL level, Alastair Clarkson thanked the 31 year old for his contribution to the Club, and the game.

“Brent has not only been an excellent servant of this footy club but has made a wonderful contribution to the game of AFL footy,” Clarkson said.

“I have been fortunate to have shared in the success of three flags with him, and considering the first was achieved at the beginning of his career and with his last earned in his final year, I am very proud to have been a part of his football journey.

“I have admired Brent’s ability to combine the tough and fierce elements of his game that have been beautifully complemented by his exquisite foot skills and finesse, and I congratulate him on a distinguished career."

In announcing his retirement, Guerra acknowledged those who played an important role in his time at the Hawks.

“I was extremely fortunate to be welcomed into the Club eight years ago and to have had the opportunity to play in two premierships is more than I could have imagined,” Guerra said.  

“I want to thank ‘Clarko’ and Hawthorn for giving me that chance, and my teammates who I’ve loved playing alongside week in, week out."

Brent Guerra career summary
255 AFL games (159 Hawthorn, 65 PA, 31 St Kilda)
12 Finals matches for Hawthorn FC
Premiership 2008, 2013
Hawthorn FC Life Membership (will receive at 2013 Hawthorn FC AGM)
Hawthorn Best Clubman 2012
Hawthorn Most Consistent Player 2007
Hawthorn FC Debut – R1, 2006 v Fremantle
St Kilda pre-season premiership side 2004
Port Adelaide pre-season premiership sides 2001, 2002
AFL Rising Star nominee 2001
Draft history – 1999 National Draft selection no 28 (Port Adelaide); 2003 AFL Draft traded by Port Adelaide for No 39; 2006 NAB AFL Pre-season Draft selection no 3 (Hawthorn)