Collingwood veteran Daniel Wells forced to retire following injury-ravaged end to career

Ed Chisholm

Collingwood veteran Daniel Wells forced to retire following injury-ravaged end to career image

Veteran Collingwood midfielder Daniel Wells has announced his retirement following widespread injury issues riddled the end of his glistening career. 

Following 243 games with North Melbourne, Wells made the move to the Pies as an unrestricted free-agent in 2017, but has managed only 15 appearances in his three seasons with the club.

However, after battling a range of soft-tissue injuries across the back-end of his career, and more recently knee issues this season, the 34-year-old midfielder has been forced to hang up the boots. 

Wells won two best and fairest awards with the Kangaroos, as well as a goal of the year in 2004.

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The Magpies and Kangaroos legend thanks both clubs for their contribution to his career in a post on Instagram.

"So many ups and so many downs. So many victories and so many defeats. These moments I believe have helped shape me into the person I am today," Wells wrote.

"I feel so blessed to have played for two amazing clubs. @nmfcofficial I am forever grateful for all you did for me at the beginning and throughout my career and to the @collingwood_fc for all they have done for me and my family these passed 3 years."

View this post on Instagram

I announced today in front of my team mates wife and daughter my retirement from the AFL. What an incredible journey!! So many ups and so many downs. So many victories and so many defeats. These moments I believe have helped shape me into the person I am today. I feel so blessed to have played for two amazing clubs. @nmfcofficial I am forever grateful for all you did for me at the beginning and throughout my career and to the @collingwood_fc for all they have done for me and my family these passed 3 years. Thank you so much for being a big part of my journey. Thanks to all my family and friends for all your love and support along the way and most importantly my wife Ria and daughter Laudate who have been my biggest support and pillars of strength through it all.

A post shared by DANIEL WELLS (@daniel_wells3) on

 

Ed Chisholm

Ed Chisholm Photo

Ed Chisholm is a content producer for Sporting News Australia.