Benjamin Millar
Premiership captain Easton Wood is hanging up his boots after a stellar AFL career in which he famously steered the Western Bulldogs to a drought-breaking grand final win.
After 188 matches with the Bulldogs over a 14-season career, the 32-year-old is bowing out just weeks after appearing in a second grand final with the club.
After being taken with pick 43 in the 2007 AFL Draft, Wood’s on-field achievements include a Charles Sutton Medal as the club’s best and fairest and an All-Australian blazer in 2015.
The following year he stepped in as skipper in the lead-up to the club’s fairytale flag.
Wood said the surprise retirement follows a period of careful consideration.
“After much thought I’ve decided to retire from the game I love so much, at a club which has been my home for 14 years,” he said.
“Whilst it’s been difficult to confront, the reality is I’ve athletically declined. I wanted to finish up on my own terms and I felt that if I declined further next year, I wouldn’t have that opportunity.
“I’m proud to go out as a member of the team and being part of an amazing run to get to the Grand Final.”
Wood cited his numerous injury setbacks over recent years, particular with his hamstrings.
“I’m at peace with the decision, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life,” he said.
“As I reflect on my career, I’m incredibly proud of my contribution to this special football club.”
Bulldogs’ senior coach Luke Beveridge paid tribute to Wood for his positive impact at the club.
“We’ve been extremely fortunate to have Easton as part of our organisation for as long as we have,” he said.
“It’s not often we find a player who is universally admired for his football ability, but also the impact he has on those around him.”
Beveridge said Wood has left a lasting impression on everyone associated with the club.
“Not only was he meticulous in his preparation and yearned to maximise his potential as a professional athlete, but he succeeded in being an influential leader and he always spent the time to make others better.”
