After an AFL career spanning 279 games, Carlton champion Chris Judd has today announced his retirement from football.
The decision comes after Judd tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday’s match against Adelaide at the MCG. The 31-year-old took the weekend to consider his future, before telling his teammates at Ikon Park this morning.
“I couldn’t say it was an easy decision, just to walk away from something that has almost been my life’s passion, (it) was challenging,” Judd said.
“But I thought 99 per cent once I hurt myself it was an ACL and not for a second did I think I was going to play another game of footy once that news was confirmed.”
Judd joked he would liked to “be remembered as a country boy with a heart of gold” and conceded that while it wasn’t the way he wanted his career to end, he has plenty of fond memories to look back on.
“You don’t get to write your ending but it’s been an incredible fortunate journey,” he said
“Not a magical ending but a still very special 14 years.”
Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay says Judd has made a tremendous contribute to Carlton and the AFL both on and off the field.
“There is no doubt that Chris Judd is one of the greatest players our game has ever seen – it’s rare to find someone with such talent who also has such an appetite to improve,” McKay said.
“He is a much admired and respected leader at our football club, a teacher and a true professional. While everyone will no doubt laud his career as a footballer, those close to him also understand how good a person he is.
“The contribution Chris has made to Carlton is immeasurable, from his flare on the field to his phenomenal work ethic at training, to his work in the community and for our sponsors – we are immensely proud to have had him on our team.
“In many ways it’s a sad day for football and for those of us who had the privilege to work with Chris, but it’s also a day to celebrate the magnificent career of a true champion of our game.”
Judd was recruited to Carlton from West Coast in 2007. His decorated career includes captaining Carlton from 2008-2012, six-time All Australian, Eagles premiership captain in 2006, and two Brownlow medals in 2004 and 2010. Judd qualified for AFL Life Membership in Round 8, 2015 against Geelong.
Carlton will pay tribute to Chris Judd in its last home game for the season, Round 21 v Melbourne at the MCG.
Chris Judd’s Stats:
DOB: 8 September 1983
Games: 279 (145 at Carlton)
AFL Debut: Round 2, 2002 v Collingwood
Carlton Debut: Round 1, 2008 v Richmond
Carlton Guernsey No. 5
Carlton Player No. 1110
Goals: 228
Career Highlights:
AFL Premiership Player (2006)
2 x Brownlow Medal (2004, 2010)
2 x AFLPA MVP (Leigh Matthews Trophy) (2006, 2011)
6 x All-Australian Team (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
2 x West Coast Best and Fairest (2004, 2006)
3 x Carlton Best and Fairest (2008, 2009, 2010)
Norm Smith Medallist (2005)
AFLPA Best First Year Player Award (2002)
