Three-time Richmond premiership ahead Jason Castagna has made the shock determination to retire on the age of 26 after shedding 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 love everything about this club and everyone in it, which has been the thing that has made this decision the hardest,” Castagna mentioned in an announcement.
“This game is such a demanding one physically and mentally, and something I have given my all to since I first walked in the doors here and for the years before that.
“Now that I can’t give that very same vitality, it has made me realise that I’d be letting the boys and the membership down if I simply coasted by and didn’t give it my all till the top, which has led me to this name.”
Castagna, the No. 29 pick at the 2014 rookie draft, made his debut in 2016 and went on to kick 127 goals in 134 games.
After starting his career as a dashing defender, Castagna made his mark in his third season in the AFL as a frenetic forward, helping transform the way Damien Hardwick’s side played in the drought-breaking 2017 premiership campaign.
He and star teammate Dustin Martin were the only Tigers players to boot 25 goals or more in each of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons; such was his consistency throughout that period.
Castagna played in the 2017, 2019 and 2020 flags, and said he was grateful for the connections he has made across his journey.
“One my favorite issues about enjoying AFL soccer has been that I received to exit on the MCG every week, heat up with the Castagna title on my again, and symbolize my household. I’ll all the time be happy with that,” he mentioned.
“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 perpetually and I’m so grateful for that.”
Castagna had a career-best season in 2019, booting 27 goals and finishing in the top 10 of the Jack Dyer Medal.
He also produced a strong but wayward grand final performance in the 84-point thrashing of GWS, gathering 20 disposals and being a constant goal threat on the way to tallying 0.5 and six marks.
“Jason has been the last word teammate over the course of his 134 video games at Richmond,” Richmond football manager Blair Hartley said.
“Jason is so selfless and went about his business with minimal fuss. He set the tone with the strain he created within the ahead half of the bottom by effort, grit and the power to win or halve contests for the crew.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
