TonyK
CibbuanoJohnson calls it quits
June 9th 2009 09:52
FORMER Richmond skipper Kane Johnson has announced his retirement from AFL football effective immediately.
Johnson played 220 games for Adelaide and was a part of their premiership sides in 1997 and '98 before joining the Tigers in 2003 where he played 120 matches.
He captained Richmond for 77 games before stepping down at the end of last season.
The 31-year-old, who has battled with a persistent knee injury all year, said the timing was right for him to call it a day.
"I dearly would have loved to play until the end of the year but my ongoing issues with my knee have forced me to reassess the situation and make the decision earlier than expected," Johnson said
"It is the start of a new era at the club and as I had no intention of playing on next year, the timing was right to step aside and play some of the new generation of players."
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank both the Adelaide and Richmond Football Clubs for giving me the opportunity to play for two great clubs. I have met some outstanding people over the journey and really appreciate the terrific support they have shown me."
Richmond chief executive Steven Wright said Johnson would move into a development role at the club.
Meanwhile, the club announced former Brisbane premiership player Craig McRae would takeover from Jade Rawlings at VFL affiliate Coburg.
Rawlings will be caretaker coach at the Tigers for the remainder of the season.
Johnson played 220 games for Adelaide and was a part of their premiership sides in 1997 and '98 before joining the Tigers in 2003 where he played 120 matches.
He captained Richmond for 77 games before stepping down at the end of last season.
The 31-year-old, who has battled with a persistent knee injury all year, said the timing was right for him to call it a day.
"I dearly would have loved to play until the end of the year but my ongoing issues with my knee have forced me to reassess the situation and make the decision earlier than expected," Johnson said
"It is the start of a new era at the club and as I had no intention of playing on next year, the timing was right to step aside and play some of the new generation of players."
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank both the Adelaide and Richmond Football Clubs for giving me the opportunity to play for two great clubs. I have met some outstanding people over the journey and really appreciate the terrific support they have shown me."
Richmond chief executive Steven Wright said Johnson would move into a development role at the club.
Meanwhile, the club announced former Brisbane premiership player Craig McRae would takeover from Jade Rawlings at VFL affiliate Coburg.
Rawlings will be caretaker coach at the Tigers for the remainder of the season.
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