TonyK
CibbuanoSaints great calls it quits
August 6th 2008 01:39
ST KILDA champion Robert Harvey will retire at the end of the year after 21 seasons of AFL football.
The 36-year-old said on Wednesday that he felt the time was right for him to end his illustrious career.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from football," Harvey said.
"St Kilda Football Club has been my life for over 20 years but after discussions between myself and the club I have come to the realisation that it is the right time to move on."
Harvey, who made his debut for the Saints as a 16-year-old in 1988 said the chance to play in a premiership could not convince him to go on again.
"I've had 21 chances for a flag," he said.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said Harvey would be remembered as one of the game's greatest players even if he didn't go out with a premiership.
"While Robert's career can be remembered by his outstanding individual accolades, I think most will remember him as a selfless team player who did whatever it took for the Saints to be successful," Lyon said.
"When you look at the best and fairests, the Brownlows, it's self-evident how good he is."
"He stands equal with the greatest midfielders in the game.
"He has stood the test of time."
Harvey has played 376 senior games, ranking him in fourth spot on the all-time list behind Michael Tuck (426 games), Kevin Bartlett (403 games) and Simon Madden (378 games).
He also won two Brownlow medals, four St Kilda best-and-fairest awards, eight All-Australian selections, three EJ Whitten medals for best on ground in state-of-origin, a Michael Tuck medal for best afield in the pre-season grand final, an AFLPA MVP award in 1997 and eight All Australian selections, while he has also played in three St Kilda pre-season premiership sides.
The 36-year-old said on Wednesday that he felt the time was right for him to end his illustrious career.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from football," Harvey said.
"St Kilda Football Club has been my life for over 20 years but after discussions between myself and the club I have come to the realisation that it is the right time to move on."
Harvey, who made his debut for the Saints as a 16-year-old in 1988 said the chance to play in a premiership could not convince him to go on again.
"I've had 21 chances for a flag," he said.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said Harvey would be remembered as one of the game's greatest players even if he didn't go out with a premiership.
"While Robert's career can be remembered by his outstanding individual accolades, I think most will remember him as a selfless team player who did whatever it took for the Saints to be successful," Lyon said.
"When you look at the best and fairests, the Brownlows, it's self-evident how good he is."
"He stands equal with the greatest midfielders in the game.
"He has stood the test of time."
Harvey has played 376 senior games, ranking him in fourth spot on the all-time list behind Michael Tuck (426 games), Kevin Bartlett (403 games) and Simon Madden (378 games).
He also won two Brownlow medals, four St Kilda best-and-fairest awards, eight All-Australian selections, three EJ Whitten medals for best on ground in state-of-origin, a Michael Tuck medal for best afield in the pre-season grand final, an AFLPA MVP award in 1997 and eight All Australian selections, while he has also played in three St Kilda pre-season premiership sides.
| 41 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
