Three-time Richmond premiership ahead Jason Castagna has made the shock determination to retire on the age of 26 after dropping his love for the sport.
Castagna knowledgeable his teammates of his determination on Monday, simply 17 days out from Richmond’s season opener in opposition to Carlton on the MCG.
“I like every little thing about this membership and everybody in it, which has been the factor that has made this determination the toughest,” Castagna stated in a press release.
“This sport is such a demanding one bodily and mentally, and one thing I’ve given my all to since I first walked within the doorways right here and for the years earlier than that.
“Now that I can not give that very same power, it has made me understand that I’d be letting the boys and the membership down if I simply coasted by means of and didn’t give it my all till the top, which has led me to this name. “
Castagna, the No.29 choose on the 2014 rookie draft, made his debut in 2016 and went on to kick 127 targets in 134 video games.
After beginning his profession as a dashing defender, Castagna made his mark in his third season within the AFL as a frenetic ahead, serving to rework the best way Damien Hardwick’s aspect performed within the drought-breaking 2017 premiership marketing campaign.
He and star teammate Dustin Martin have been the one Tigers gamers to attain 25 targets or extra in every of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons; such was his consistency all through that interval.
Castagna performed within the 2017, 2019 and 2020 flags, and stated he was grateful for the connections he has made all through his journey.
“Considered one of my favourite issues about taking part in AFL soccer has been that I obtained to exit on the MCG every week, heat up with the Castagna title on my again, and signify my household. I’ll at all times be happy with that,” he stated.
“The connection I really feel to this group and the previous gamers that I frolicked with right here as nicely is one thing I’ll have endlessly and I’m so grateful for that.”
Castagna had a career-best season in 2019, booting 27 targets and ending within the prime 10 of the Jack Dyer Medal.
He additionally produced a powerful however wayward grand remaining efficiency within the 84-point thrashing of GWS, gathering 20 disposals and being a relentless objective menace on the best way to tallying 0.5 and 6 marks.
“Jason has been the final word teammate over the course of his 134 video games at Richmond,” Richmond soccer supervisor Blair Hartley stated.
“Jason is so selfless and went about his enterprise with minimal fuss. He set the tone with the stress he created within the ahead half of the bottom by means of effort, grit and the flexibility to win or halve contests for the crew.”
