TonyK
CibbuanoStevens forced to retire
October 29th 2009 08:53
CARLTON midfielder Nick Stevens has been forced to retire due to a serious neck injury.
The 29-year-old, who was contracted for another year, was advised by doctors that he should hang up the boots or he would risk further damage to the injury he sustained early in the 2007 season.
"It is very disappointing to have my career end due to injury. Retirement is not something I had been thinking about but I have no option due to the neck injury," Stevens said.
"After consulting with the specialist, the club doctor and the club as well as discussions with my family, I realised the risk in continuing to play football is far too great so the decision was forced on me.
"What makes it even harder is that Carlton is on the verge of a successful era and I would dearly love to be a part of it. While very disappointed, I am thankful that I have been able to play over 200 AFL games and have enjoyed being involved with Carlton and Port Adelaide for over 10 years."
Blues coach Brett Ratten paid tribute to Stevens and said it was a blow to the club to lose a player of his calibre.
"Nick has been a very important player for Carlton in his six years with the club. He has played a vital role in the development of the younger players at the club through his leadership and there has never been a question on his ability to win and use the ball," Ratten said.
"At his peak he has certainly been one of the elite midfielders in the AFL. He has been runner-up in the John Nicholls Medal on two occasions and was also runner-up and third in the Port Adelaide Best and Fairest Award before joining Carlton. We will certainly miss his talent and importantly his experience."
Stevens played 104 games for the Blues after crossing over from Port Adelaide where he managed 127 appearances after making his AFL debut in 1998.
The 29-year-old, who was contracted for another year, was advised by doctors that he should hang up the boots or he would risk further damage to the injury he sustained early in the 2007 season.
"It is very disappointing to have my career end due to injury. Retirement is not something I had been thinking about but I have no option due to the neck injury," Stevens said.
"After consulting with the specialist, the club doctor and the club as well as discussions with my family, I realised the risk in continuing to play football is far too great so the decision was forced on me.
"What makes it even harder is that Carlton is on the verge of a successful era and I would dearly love to be a part of it. While very disappointed, I am thankful that I have been able to play over 200 AFL games and have enjoyed being involved with Carlton and Port Adelaide for over 10 years."
Blues coach Brett Ratten paid tribute to Stevens and said it was a blow to the club to lose a player of his calibre.
"Nick has been a very important player for Carlton in his six years with the club. He has played a vital role in the development of the younger players at the club through his leadership and there has never been a question on his ability to win and use the ball," Ratten said.
"At his peak he has certainly been one of the elite midfielders in the AFL. He has been runner-up in the John Nicholls Medal on two occasions and was also runner-up and third in the Port Adelaide Best and Fairest Award before joining Carlton. We will certainly miss his talent and importantly his experience."
Stevens played 104 games for the Blues after crossing over from Port Adelaide where he managed 127 appearances after making his AFL debut in 1998.
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