AFL veteran Jarrad Waite has decided to hang up his boots at the end of the 2018 season.
After an outstanding career, Jarrad Waite has announced that he'll retire at season's end.
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) August 21, 2018
Thank you, Waitey.
More here 👉 https://t.co/Y5bQXDNk6X #BeAShinboner pic.twitter.com/5tomYZNrgl
The North Melbourne forward will play his last game of AFL footy against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Waite will retire having played 244 games of senior footy after being taken with the 46th pick in the 2001 national draft by Carlton.
The 35-year-old played 184 games with the Blues after making his debut in 2003, kicking 252 goals with the club before moving on at the end of the 2014 season.
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During his free agency, Waite decided to sign with the Kangaroos and made his North Melbourne debut in 2015 where he played a career-best number of games in one season (23) and kicked his best season-haul of goals (42).
Jarrad will play his 60th game for the Kangaroos when he runs out against the Saints on Sunday and has kicked 122 goals for the club.
Waite made the announcement to his teammates on Tuesday afternoon and had this to say to reporters.
"I would like to officially announce my retirement from the game, it was a really difficult to make. After speaking to Brad Scott about the future, I've made the decision to give it away," Waite said.
"Scotty has been one of the most inspirational coaches I've ever had. I've been able to play my best footy under him, including this season.
"The decision is made harder by playing good football. I've been thinking about this decision the past three years. Going out on top will be the best thing for me, and I can walk away knowing that I've given it my all.
"I wasn't willing to wait and see if there was another contract on the table. I can leave the game 100% satisfied and know I gave it my all."
The coach was emotional in his response.
Scott: With the relationship that we've been able to develop of the years, I've been able to speak with Waitey about the pros and cons. The footy he's playing shows he capable of going on next year, but he wanted to go out on top. #BeAShinboner
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) August 21, 2018
Scott: It was an incredibly difficult conversation to have with him at the start, but we spoke more like mates. The priority was what he wanted to do, I certainly didn't nudge him in one direction or another. #BeAShinboner
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) August 21, 2018
Scott: He has left an indelible mark on the football club. He has been a great leader, has elite endurance and has vice like hands, but the other side that most people don't see is how competitive he is. #BeAShinboner
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) August 21, 2018
Scott: Waitey was a big game player. When we needed to score in finals we'd open it up for him and if we needed to defend we'd throw him behind the ball. He's a big game player and those players are held in a higher regard. #BeAShinboner
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) August 21, 2018
