Dual premiership player Mitch Duncan will retire at the end of this season.
Duncan, 34, informed his teammates of his decision at training this morning, as the Cats prepare to enter their 14th finals series in his career.
Renowned as a highly skilful player whose versatility saw him slot seamlessly into various roles over the years – including as a midfielder, forward and running defender – Duncan enjoyed premiership success early in his career, playing a role in the Cats’ 2011 triumph as the youngest member in the team in just his second season of AFL.
Starting the day as the substitute, he came on for an injured James Podsiadly during the second quarter and collected 10 disposals, as well as kicking an important goal.
He played a significant role as the Cats saluted again in 2022, collecting 27 disposals, 13 marks and a goal in Geelong’s big win over Sydney.
Recruited out of Carine and East Perth in Western Australia with pick 28 in the 2009 national draft, Duncan has played 305 games to date with Geelong and kicked 185 goals since making his debut in Round 1 of the 2010 season.
He was awarded Geelong Cats Life Membership in 2017 and received AFL Life Membership earlier this year and celebrated his 300th game in Round 11 this year, becoming just the seventh player in Geelong Football Club history to do so.
Duncan has been a valuable member of Geelong’s AFL program on and off the field for the past 16 years. He was a member of the Cats’ player leadership group across seven seasons and has had seven top-10 finishes in the Carji Greeves Medal count, including a runner-up finish in 2017 and a third placing in 2014.
“After 16 years at AFL level, I feel now is the right time to hang up the boots,” Duncan said.
“Every day I thank Stephen Wells for calling out my name on draft night in 2009. I’m grateful to have been part of this Club, a Club filled with so many great people past and present, who have not only taught me about football, but have also helped mould me into the person I am.
“At the end of our season I will sit back and reflect more, however I know that I couldn’t have enjoyed the career I have if it wasn’t for my wife, children and immediate family for always supporting and giving me the best opportunity to have success in my career.
“While I’m making this decision now, over the next month I’m focused on doing everything I can to help the Cats win its next premiership, whether that’s on or off the field.”
Geelong Cats Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie, who played alongside Duncan from 2011-2017, congratulated Duncan on his career.
“Mitch has been an outstanding person and footballer to have at our club over the past 16 years,” Mackie said.
“A trademark over Mitch’s 305 games to date has been his skill and high football IQ, allowing him to play with such flexibility for whatever the team has required, and continues to be a true team-first player.
“Mitch’s value has not been just with how he plays the game, but with how he has shared his knowledge and experience with the younger generations of Cats players who have come through the ranks over his career and he will continue to play an important part within our squad over this coming Finals campaign.
“While there will be a time to celebrate Mitch’s career at Geelong at the end of our season, we thank Mitch, Demi, Scarlett, Ollie, Archie and Parker for their contribution to the club.”
