Yesterday afternoon, Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling announced his retirement from AFL after 12 years in the AFL, after the Cats third premiership in 5 years.
At a press conference held at the newly titled Simmonds Stadium post the Geelong premiership parade, Cameron Ling alongside senior coach Chris Scott and chief executive Brian Cook announced his retirement from AFL after 292 games and 94 goals.
At the age of 30, Ling said that he had only made up his mind to hang up the boots in the past few days, but had been thinking about retiring over the finals series. ”I do know, I’m 100 per cent certain I’m finished and therefore I’m contented with everything I’ve done” he said. He added “It’s nice to know I finished on a real positive and a real high and I suppose finished with being able to contribute something.”
Ling said that he felt very lucky to have had his career and said the environment he worked in was sensational. He thanks his family, friends, his partner as well as Chris Scott and Mark Thompson. Last but not least he thanks his team, “the hardest one. Thank you to the boys. We’ve stayed rally strong as a group. I honestly thank you guys so much. Been lucky to play with some of the best players to have ever played the game”, he said.
Ling was recruited by Geelong as pick number 38 in the 1999 National Draft and played his debut match in Round 10, 2000 against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. Throughout his career Ling was known for his competitiveness, hardness, his ‘never give up attitude’ and mental strength. He was also one of the best taggers in the league. ‘
Since being recruited in 1999, Ling has had the following achievements:
- Named Best First Year Reserves Player in 2000
- Nominated for the 2001 Rising Star Award
- Named as Geelong’s most improved player in 2001
- Geelong Community Champion Award winner in 2003
- Winner of Carji Greeves Medal (Geelong Best and Fairest) in 2004
- Named as Geelong’s most determined and most dedicated player in 2005
- Member of Geelong’s NAB Cup grand final win in 2006 and 2008
- Member of the 2007 International Rules side
- All Australian selection in 2007
- Deputy Vice Captain of Geelong in 2005 and 2006
- Vice Captain of Geelong from 2007-2009
- Winner of the Geelong Coaches Award in 2008
- Geelong captain 2010-2011
- 3 time premiership player (2007, 2009 and 2011)
Cameron Ling’s is expected to become a part of Channel 7’s AFL coverage next season.
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[...] original article: Cameron Ling retires | AFL Blog – ContestedFooty Filed Under: News Tagged With: [...]
[...] Cameron Ling retired after Geelong’s third premiership in five years, after 12 years in the AFL having played 292 games and kicking 94 goals. [...]