'Not how I saw my career ending': Brad Crouch's sad reality as he joins AFL's 2024 retirees
Updated . First published
Class of 2024 AFL retirees
As the curtain draws on 2024, we look back at a spectacular class of retirees who are hanging up the boots.
From one of the greatest ever to play the game in Richmond star Dustin Martin, to Geelong's modern power forward Tom Hawkins, the retirements in 2024 are sure to bring a tear to the eye.
Let's reminisce on the careers of some of the AFL's greatest.
Aiden O'Driscoll - Western Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs draftee Aiden O'Driscoll did not get the fairytale AFL career.
In fact, it heartbreakingly never began.
He was medically retired from the AFL following a "significant head injury" sustained during pre-season training in January of 2024.
O'Driscoll, 18, was drafted from Western Australia to the Bulldogs with pick No.55 in November's national draft.
He did not get to make his AFL debut for the club.
Alex Keath - Adelaide and Western Bulldogs
Alex Keath played 109 games across Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.
Keath was a part of the Dogs' 2021 losing grand final team, but in 2024, managed just five games.
"He is the epitome of hard work and determination, a reliable defender," Bulldogs list manager Sam Power said.
Andrew Gaff - West Coast Eagles
Andrew Gaff called time on his 280-game career with the Eagles, with just a round left in the 2024 season.
The 32-year-old hung up the boots after the Eagles' final home game of the season in round 23 against Carlton at Optus Stadium.
Gaff, who missed out on the Eagles' 2018 premiership after being suspended for eight weeks after striking Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw during a derby match, was drafted with the fourth pick in the 2010 draft.
"It will be sad to see one of our great players end his career, but Andrew leaves a lasting legacy," Eagles footy boss Gavin Bell said in August.
Sam Reid - Sydney
Sam Reid of the Swans hung up the boots in July of 2024.
Sadly, the big man didn't actually play another game for Sydney after his horror end in the 2022 grand final loss to Geelong.
He played 181 games and looked back fondly on the support the Swans gave him, making the daunting move up north.
"Since arriving from Victoria all those years ago, I've grown up from a 17-year-old school kid to now having a wife and two kids of my own," Reid said at the time.
"The club has looked after me and my family so well and I can't thank them enough for the opportunity I've been given."
Reid was one of the last remaining members of the Swans' 2012 premiership team.
Brad Crouch - Adelaide and St Kilda
Brad Crouch called time on his career in November, after 161 games at the highest level.
Crouch has been dealing with degenerative knee issues which forced him to play just one match in 2024.
The 30-year-old starred during his time at the Crows, taking home the 2019 best and fairest.
He joined the Saints in 2021 as a free agent.
"It's been a really tough few months and this is definitely not how I saw my footy career ending," he said at the end of November.
Sam Naismith - Richmond and Sydney
One of the most heartbreaking retirements of 2024 comes out of Richmond, with luckless ruckman Sam Naismith calling time.
After 10 years at Sydney and just 30 games, Naismith continued to battle through three ACL ruptures.
The Swans delisted him at the end of 2022, and after a season in the VFL with Port Melbourne, the Tigers offered a lifeline.
After finally playing senior football again in 2024, this time for Richmond, Naismith managed three games, before again rupturing his ACL in the VFL in May.
It was a sad end to his career, with four ACL ruptures holding him back from what could have been.
Marlion Pickett - Richmond
Perhaps the most incredible story in this list of retirees, we may not ever see one like Richmond's Marlion Pickett again.
After playing in the Tigers' 2019 VFL premiership, Pickett was called upon a week later to make his AFL debut in the grand final.
He became the first V/AFL player in 67 years to debut in a grand final and the first since 1926 to actually win the flag too.
"It's been a good journey ... I did not even think I was ever going to get drafted," Pickett said in August.
"The sacrifices that we made ... it was all worth it."
At the end of the home-and-away season, he will land on 91 games and two premierships.
Dylan Grimes - Richmond
After three premierships, a club best and fairest and All-Australian blazer, Richmond's Dylan Grimes concluded his career on 234 games.
He played a crucial role in Richmond's three premierships in four years, commanding a decorated backline to success.
An emotional Grimes felt like the club gave him more than he could ever repay.
"There is a part of me that has had a chip on my shoulder for my entire career, to try and repay the debt I felt like I owed the club," Grimes said in August.
"Almost everything good in my life, I have because of here, so thank you."
Dustin Martin - Richmond
Perhaps the most decorated Tiger of all-time, Dustin Martin hung up the boots after 302 games.
With three premierships, three Norm Smith Medals and one Brownlow to his name, the 33-year-old did it all for the Tigers.
"It is hard to put into words what the Richmond Football Club means to me, I love this place so much," he said.
"I will be forever grateful for the love and the support I have received from the people here.
"To my teammates, the brotherhood that we all share is what I value most, as well as the bond with the staff and coaches… Thank you to all of you.
Martin skipped his own retirement press conference and brushed aside the need for a farewell game, proving once again his humble and quietly-spoken nature.
