MEDIA STATEMENT BY MATTHEW SCARLETT
“I have
decided that the 2012 season will be my last with Geelong and as an
AFL player,” Scarlett said.
“I have enjoyed
a wonderful time with the club and am proud to have shared this with
so many great team mates. We all spend so much time together that
it is important that there is a respect and desire to do everything
possible to achieve success. I think this has been a hall mark of
our team, that we have come together and worked together to have success.
“Obviously
the premierships stand out as highlights, but they would not have
been possible unless we all worked together along the way. I am confident
that this will continue in the future with all of the young players
that have joined the club in recent years.
“I have friends
for life from among my team mates, past and present. I will look back
on this time with great memories and I look forward to enjoying more
good times with them as a past player.
“I have also
been lucky to have had many great coaches over the past 15 years.
They have all made an impact on me as a player. I would like to give
particular thanks to Chris Scott, Mark Thompson and Brendan McCartney
for what they have done for me and the club during their time here.
They were the most influential coaches in my career and I will always
be grateful for that.
“The Geelong
Football Club, its coaches, staff, trainers, medical staff, and support
staff have been fantastic. It was always enjoyable coming to the club
and being around such a good group of people. The club has changed
over the past 15 years and it is incredible to see the growth around
the place over that time.
“There is
no doubt that being an AFL player is a great lifestyle. However there
are other people that are impacted by the demands of the game. Number
one among them are my family.
“My wife
Milla, and children Tayla, Charlie, Oliver and Harry, have been amazingly
supportive. I couldn’t have enjoyed the career that I have had
without their unwavering support and understanding. Now is a time
that I am looking forward to spending with them and enjoying many
of the things that I had to pass up when I was a player.
“Finally,
I would like to thank the Geelong members and supporters. It has been
great playing for you and it’s fair to say that we have had plenty
of great times to celebrate. Keep supporting the Cats and I think
we will have more good times ahead.”
