West Coast Eagles veteran Jamie Cripps has announced his retirement from AFL.
The 34-year-old played the first five games of the season, but a serious knee injury, which included MCL damage, has sidelined him since. His retirement is effective immediately.
A 2018 premiership player, he finishes with 277 games and 339 goals, becoming a reliable contributor since arriving at West Coast in 2013 after spending the first two years of his AFL career at St Kilda.
“I would like to just thank the club, it's been an awesome 14 years and a privilege to play for a great club like West Coast,” Cripps said.
“To play so long and play with some amazing players along the way as well, it's just been such a fun ride.
“My family make me tick and they're who I do it for, so to have their support over the years has been massive.
“Now I'm ready for my knee to start feeling better so I can run around with the kids and see what their journey might be, which I'm looking forward to.”
Highly-rated internally for his work rate and pressure, he kicked the sixth-most goals in the club's history and was an important part of a successful forward line alongside Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.
His two best seasons were West Coast's two grand final years through his career, kicking 34 goals in 2015 and 38 goals in 2018.
He became an Eagles life member in 2020 and was West Coast's leading goal kicker last year.
His retirement leaves Tom Cole, Elliott Yeo and Liam Duggan as the only members of the Eagles 2018 flag-winning side on the club's list.
“The legacy Jamie leaves is one of work ethic, selflessness and belonging – our Club is stronger because of the way he went about it every single day,” Eagles football boss Gavin Bell said.
“He gave everything to his craft, consistently putting the team first and challenging those around him to do the same.
“Off the field, he is humble and deeply respected. On game day, he competed with a fierce edge and total commitment to the role.
“We are incredibly grateful for what Jamie has given to this Club and the example he has set for others to follow. He should be immensely proud of the career he's built."
