Chris Judd has brought and an end to what has been a glittering career as he officially announced his retirement from the AFL.
The 31-year-old, who played his 279th and final senior game on the weekend, announced his retirement on Tuesday morning, only a few days removed from rapturing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in Carlton’s narrow loss to Adelaide.
Judd suffered what has turned out to be a career ending injury during the first quarter of the encounter against the Crows and following consulting with doctors and his family decided that it was time to call time on his playing career.
The gun midfielder, who first played for West Coast before joining Carlton seven-years ago received a standing ovation from both Blues and Crows supporters on Saturday when he was stretched off the ground.
“I gave everything for the two clubs I represented,” said Judd at the media conference held at Carlton headquarters, Ikon Park.
“I couldn’t say it was an easy decision to just walk away from something that has been my life’s passion.”
“I knew the end was coming, so in that sense it hasn’t been a huge surprise but it’s the suddenness of it that has caught me a little off guard.”
“It was a disappointing finish to my career but I don’t lose sight of the fact about how fortunate I’ve been to play for two such wonderful football clubs.”
Judd thanked both the Eagles and Blues fans for their support over the years as he was revered by both club’s set of fans.
“The Carlton fans have been incredible to me, very kind over the journey. We did our best and I will be eternally grateful for your support,” Judd said.
“To the West Coast fans, the reason my time over there was so special is thanks to you guys.”
Judd who seriously considered retiring at the end of last year admitted that he made a mistake going on this year, which has been a shocking year for the Blues thus far as they have won only one game, lie on the bottom of the ladder and sacking their veteran senior coach Mick Malthouse.
“Clearly it was the wrong decision to go on … as it turned out it was the wrong decision, but it was very much made for the right reasons,” added the champion midfielder.
Judd played 279 AFL games following being drafted by West Coast with pick three in the 2003 National Draft.
Arguably it was the best selection the Eagles ever made in the draft as Judd won a Brownlow Medal (2004) with the Western Australian club as well as a Norm Smith Medal (2005) for best a field despite his side losing that grand final.
It was a different story the following year as Judd held the premiership trophy aloft as the premiership captain as the Eagles claimed their third AFL premiership.
Judd who played 134 games for the Eagles decided to leave the club at the end of the 2007 season and head home to Victoria where he was traded to Carlton.
Even before playing a game for the Blues Judd was named captain and played 145 games for Carlton, with his best season coming in 2010 when he won his second Brownlow Medal.
The five-time best and fairest winner guided the Blues to three consecutive finals appearances (2009; 2010; 2011) and almost saw Carlton reach the preliminary final in 2011 only for them to just fall short against his former club in the Eagles.
Judd played a vital role in Carlton’s last finals appearance in 2013 where he inspired a mighty second half comeback to lead the Blues to victory over archrivals Richmond in the elimination final before losing to Sydney the following week.
One of the greatest midfielders not only in modern day football but in the history of the game also kicked 228 goals and will be remembered as a great.
(Photo Source: Zimbio)