Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The veteran defender told teammates of his shock decision on Tuesday morning.
The 32-year-old has been captain of the club since 2019 but has fallen out of favour this season and lost his place in the team ahead of Round 12.
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He has since returned to the senior side and will get a chance to farewell fans ahead of the finals in Sunday’s clash against Richmond.
“You’d love to play forever but inevitably it comes to an end,” Jonas said of his decision to retire.
“It’s been a fair rollercoaster but for me there have been so many more ups than downs.
“You reflect on moments that maybe at the time were tough and challenging, exhausting or sad, but ultimately, they’re what makes you appreciate the good times and they’re what make you galvanise relationships and friendships with everyone that you spend time with along the way.
“The good thing about this for me is that the final chapter hasn’t been written, and that’s really exciting. For me it was about removing any distraction from the team with what we’ve got to look forward to in the month ahead.
“Obviously this weekend is our last home game ahead of finals so it’s a great opportunity to play again in front of some friends and family, and of course the supporters who’ve been so good to me along the way.
Arriving at the club in the 2011 rookie draft, Jonas has developed into one of the great success stories.
He has played 215 games and finished in the top three of the best and fairest on three occasions.
Coach Ken Hinkley paid tribute to Jonas’ impact on the club.
“Tom has always given his all, whether that is on the field or off it, and it has been a pleasure to be involved in his journey,” Hinkley said.
“He’s had to create his own path right from the start with enormous challenges along the way. While this season he has not always been first choice at selection, the way he has handled himself is the perfect example of his team-first attitude.
“He knows there is a lot to come for our club over the next month and at no stage does he want his own circumstances to get in the way.”
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