Eagles skipper calls time on career

West Coast captain Darren Glass announces his retirement from AFL effectively immediately citing injuries as the reason behind his decision.

Darren Glass with wife Alicia, with children Mila (4), Zara (3) and Nixon (19 months) after announcing his retirement. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

WEST Coast skipper Darren Glass has played his last AFL game after announcing his immediate retirement.

The four-time All-Australian defender has fronted the media at Patersons Stadium this morning, flanked by the entire playing squad and club staff, to announce the decision.

The 270-game player has battled hip and ankle injuries this season and was unable to be convinced to play a farewell game.

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"I'm not confident of playing any decent footy in the back half of the year," Glass said while sitting alongside coach Adam Simpson.

"With hindsight, I probably played a year too long.

"At the end of last season I was really confident I could play this year out, but it hasn't panned out that way.

"I've probably been chatting to Simmo for four or five weeks maybe, just saying I'm not sure I'm going to see the season out. I'm really comfortable it's the right choice.

"I'm not tempted (to have a farewell game at home). I feel like it's time to step aside and let someone else come in and have a go. That's just the way I feel. I don't sort of want to pinch a game off another player and I think it's time to move on.''

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Glass' wife Alicia and three children were on hand to watch today's announcement.

Glass has played in eight of the Eagles' 11 games this season. After missing the Round 11 game against North Melbourne with soreness, Glass returned to lead the side in last weekend's loss to Hawthorn.

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But a club spokesman said he was set to sit out this Saturday's home game against Gold Coast after failing to recover, which indicated to Glass that his time in the game was up.

"I have really been struggling to back up from one game to the next," the 33-year-old said.

"It is time for me to step aside and give someone else a go.

"Playing consecutive games has been a real challenge for me, and as much as I am still mentally sharp and I enjoy coming to the club and training every day, physically I just can't get to the levels that I want to play at and the levels the team needs.

"It has been a tough decision, but I am comfortable that it's the right decision."

Darren Glass alongside coach Adam Simpson at the skipper's retirement press conference at Patersons Stadium. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

When asked how he'd describe himself as a footballer, Glass responded: "A battler. It's called a scragger I think. I just defended like a defender should defend, sort of desperately.

"I had my limitations as a player, but loved playing the game and loved competing.''

And while the 2006 premiership win ranks among his fondest memories, Glass stopped short of labelling it his career highlight.

"The instinct is to say the premiership, but my career sort of means more than me than just that flag," he said.

"I've touched on it with the players, but I've loved every part of my career and none more so than this last part of my career.

"Being a captain has been a real honour and privilege."

The Eagles will now commence their search for a new skipper after the departure of one of the club's great captains.

Glass spent 129 games as the group's leader, second only to John Worsfold (138 games) as skipper.

Worsfold paid tribute to the long-serving defender, writing on Twitter: "Darren Glass, a role model, leader, gentleman of immense values. And he was a super footballer. Thanks and well done. #thanksglassy #GoEagles."

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich also tweeted: "Congratulations on a wonderful career to Darren Glass. We were adversaries since '99 in U18s & had some great battles. True leader! #respect."

Eagles players and staff watch on at Darren Glass' retirement press conference. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Corp Australia

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