Geelong premiership ruck Rhys Stanley has called time on his AFL career after 18 seasons.
The versatile big man played 230 games across stints with St Kilda and Geelong, but will be remembered best for his 172 appearances for the Cats.
Stanley was taken by the Saints with pick 47 in the 2008 national draft before being traded to Geelong at the end of 2014.
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The 35-year-old played 20 games in the Cats’ premiership year of 2022 and 19 as recently as last year, but managed just one in 2026 as the Cats preferred Mitch Edwards in the ruck with support from Sam De Koning, Mark Blicavs and Shannon Neale.
Stanley underwent knee surgery in August but returned for Geelong’s VFL preliminary final, only to suffer a pectoral injury on return, which ruled him out for Sunday’s grand final against Box Hill.
“Thank you to the St Kilda Football Club for giving this lanky country boy an opportunity way back in 2008, and to the Geelong Football Club for helping shape the person I am today,” Stanley told the club’s website.
“There are so many special people at the Cats who have made my family’s and my time in football as enjoyable as it could possibly be.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, but gee it’s been fun. Memories and friendships that will be with me forever.”
Sharing the news of his retirement to his teammates, Stanley added: “Footy teaches you a lot of lessons and I’m so privileged to have learnt those lessons here.
“I think it’s put me in a really good place to be the best version of myself going into the next chapter of life and attacking what’s next with my beautiful family.
“I’ll be the biggest fan of this place going forward, I can’t wait to watch everyone one of you go about your footy.”
Geelong footy boss Andrew Mackie congratulated Stanley on a great career.
“Rhys has been an important part of our club over the last 12 seasons and we congratulate him on his fantastic career,” Mackie said.
“Very few players have established themselves at a new club as successfully as Rhys did. He has been a consistent part of our side for the best part of a decade and within that has been a dependable contributor who adapted to whatever role the team required of him.
“Rhys departs the club as a Premiership player, a highly respected and well-liked teammate, and someone who has played an important role in supporting the development of our emerging rucks in recent seasons. It’s a reflection of the person and teammate he has been throughout his time a Geelong.
“We thank Rhys for everything he has given to the club, and we wish Rhys, Kirsten, Jagger, Sloane and Hudson all the best for the future. They are always welcome at Geelong.”