Two-time Geelong premiership hero Mitch Duncan has confirmed that the 2025 AFL season will be his last, with the 34-year-old set to retire at the conclusion of Geelong's September run.
Duncan informed teammates on Friday of his decision to hang up the boots after an illustrious career at Kardinia Park, becoming the seventh player in club history to achieve the 300-game milestone earlier this season.
The midfielder has played a pivotal role in Geelong's nearly two-decade-long era of premiership contention, being the Cats' youngest premiership player in the 2011 Grand Final and being one of the best afield in 2022, collecting 27 disposals and a goal. Duncan regularly polled strongly in the club's best-and-fairest award, notably finishing as runner-up for the Carji Greeves Medal in 2017.
Duncan stated on Friday that he remains focused on helping Geelong secure a second premiership in four seasons, though he looks forward to reflecting on his career with his family after the season concludes.
"After 16 years at AFL level, I feel now is the right time to hang up the boots," Duncan said.
"Every day, I thank Stephen Wells for calling out my name on draft night in 2009. I'm grateful to have been part of this club, a club filled with so many great people, past and present, who have not only taught me about football, but have also helped mould me into the person I am.
"At the end of our season, I will sit back and reflect more; however, I know that I couldn't have enjoyed the career I have if it wasn't for my wife, children and immediate family for always supporting and giving me the best opportunity to have success in my career.
"While I'm making this decision now, over the next month I'm focused on doing everything I can to help the Cats win their next premiership, whether that's on or off the field."
Duncan featured in just nine games this season, though his wealth of experience remains as a viable option for senior coach Chris Scott to call upon in the Cats' Finals campaign.
Geelong Cats Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie, who played alongside Duncan from 2011-2017, congratulated Duncan on his career.
"Mitch has been an outstanding person and footballer to have at our Club over the past 16 years,” Mackie said.
"A trademark over Mitch's 305 games to date has been his skill and high football IQ, allowing him to play with such flexibility for whatever the team has required, and continues to be a true team-first player.
"Mitch's value has not been just with how he plays the game, but with how he has shared his knowledge and experience with the younger generations of Cats players who have come through the ranks over his career, and he will continue to play an important part within our squad over this coming Finals campaign.
"While there will be a time to celebrate Mitch's career at Geelong at the end of our season, we thank Mitch, Demi, Scarlett, Ollie, Archie and Parker for their contribution to the club."
