Rhys Stanley retires from AFL after 18 seasons

AFL ruckman Rhys Stanley has announced his retirement from professional football after an 18-season career. Stanley played a total of 230 games, including 58 matches for St Kilda and 172 for Geelong.

Stanley was a key figure in Geelong’s 2022 premiership campaign. His final season was hampered by injuries, including knee surgery in August and a subsequent pectoral injury that prevented him from playing in the VFL grand final.

In his retirement announcement, Stanley expressed gratitude to both St Kilda and Geelong for the opportunities provided during his career. Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie praised Stanley as a dependable contributor who successfully established himself at a new club and left a significant mark on the organization.