Calrton defender Liam Jones has announced his AFL retirement, reportedly due to his vaccine stance.
The 30-year-old will hang up the boots after 145 games in the top grade, with the club confirming the news on Sunday afternoon.
Jones said it was due to 'personal reasons' but reports suggest that it was due to his reluctance to get the COVID-19 vaccination, which has been mandated by the league.
“I wish to announce my retirement from AFL football effective immediately,” he said.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported me throughout my journey, both personally and professionally. I love the game and I’ll miss my teammates”
“I hope that people respect my decision and privacy – neither myself or my management team will be making any further comment on the matter. ”
Breaking - Liam Jones has retired having chosen not to get the COVID-19 vaccination @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) November 14, 2021
BREAKING
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) November 14, 2021
Carlton defender Liam Jones has decided to retire with one year remaining on his contract after his vaccination status became public last week.@tommorris32 reports 📝: https://t.co/YTllbLjFMu pic.twitter.com/TAZkZzrSJ6
Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd said the club understood his decision and wished him well for the future.
“We have been in constant dialogue with Liam in recent months and allowing him the time he needed to make an informed decision regarding his playing career,” he said.
“Liam confirmed with us today that he has made the decision to retire, and his wish for the specific reasons of that decision to be kept private – as a club, we will be respecting that.”
“We thank Liam for his seven years of service to the Carlton Football Club, he earned every part of the 161 games he played, which included a complete positional transformation in the middle of his career, that could have only been possible with supreme dedication and hard work.”
“We wish Liam all the best for the next phase of his life.”