Geelong forward Cameron Mooney has today officially announced his retirement from AFL after 15 years. He will finish off his career at the conclusion of the Cats 2011 Premiership campaign.
It was no secret that Cameron Mooney, 31, was going to retire at the end of this season, however at a press conference at Skilled Stadium earlier today it was confirmed.
Mooney said his decision to retire wasn’t very difficult as his body was crying out for it and added that it has been “an amazing ride” and that has felt fortunate and proud to be at a club he loves and adores.
“Basically, I just wanted to get it out of the way before the finals. There are more important things coming up than some old guy retiring”, Mooney said in relation to why he has announced his retirement now and not at the end of the season.
Mooney was recruited by North Melbourne in the 1996 AFL Draft at pick number 56 and made his debut for the club in Round 7, 1999 against Adelaide at the MCG. He played a total of 11 games for the Roos and kicked 2 goals.
At the end of the 1999 season he was traded with the 53rd and 67th selection in 1999 AFL Draft to Geelong. He played his debut match for the Cats in Round 17, 2000 against St Kilda at the MCG.
He will end his 15 year AFL career after about 229 games and after kicked around 297 goals.
Throughout his career Mooney was known as a passionate and dominate forward player with the ability to kick bags of goals on numerous occasions.
Since being recruited in 1996, Mooney has had the following achievements to date:
- 3 time premiership player (North Melbourne 1999, Geelong 2007, 2009)
- All Australian selection in 2007
- Dream Team representation in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match in 2008
- Geelong Coaches Award in 2004
- Geelong Community Champion in 2006
- Geelong Leading Goal kicker in 2007
Unfortunately Cameron Mooney will not receive a farewell game at Skilled Stadium, as he will be missing this weekend’s match against the Swans due to a suspension.
Mooney hopes for the fairy tale end to his career and finish on a high with another Geelong Premiership win.
Tags: Cameron Mooney
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