Western Bulldogs forward Jack Redpath has announced his retirement from AFL football, due to a degenerative knee injury.
Redpath confirmed to the Bulldogs that he will call time on a career which spanned seven seasons after starting via the 2012 AFL Rookie Draft.
The 27-year-old signed a two-year contract extension at the end of last year, and was named in the Bulldogs’ leadership group heading into the 2018 season, but a knee injury cruelled his campaign.
He added two games to his career tally early in the season before being sidelined, with his last appearance in the red, white and blue coming against the Sydney Swans in Round 4.
He retires having played 36 games and kicking 57 goals.
VIDEO | THE BEST OF BIG RED: Replay highlights from Jack Redpath's seven year AFL career.
“It’s been well and truly the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” Redpath said.
“It’s probably been coming for a little bit. My knee has never really got back to where it should be to play AFL footy.
“I want to thank the Club massively for how they’ve been through this period. I was told on countless occasions to take my time and make sure it’s the right decision.
“By the time I spoke to family and close friends, the coaches and the staff who I’m extremely close with, I’m one hundred percent sure it’s the right decision for me.”
Redpath arrived at VU Whitten Oval at the end of 2011, playing two seasons with then VFL-affiliate Williamstown, before being upgraded to the senior list, making his AFL debut in Round 16, 2014.
His story is one of hardship and persistence, with the much-loved clubman coming back from several injury setbacks over his career.
Redpath played in Footscray’s 2014 VFL premiership (kicking two goals), and sadly missed the Club’s 2016 AFL premiership after rupturing his ACL in Round 18 of that season, despite playing eight straight games in the lead-up.
“It’s extremely saddening for all of us to see Jack’s career end this way,” said Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge.
“Jack is a much-loved and admired team-mate and club person. He has been a fine example for others to follow, and we’ll miss his influence around the place.
“We all admire him for fighting through the many setbacks he faced with his body during his career, and his determination to overcome adversity to be there for his team-mates.
“It’s very unfortunate that we weren’t able to see the best of Jack on a consistent basis, because he had the ability to be one of the dominant forwards in the competition.
“We wish Jack all the best for the next phase of his life, and we look forward to maintaining our friendships with him and supporting him in his future endeavours.”
