Dual premiership Tiger Josh Caddy has today announced his retirement from AFL football effective immediately.
Caddy, a 2017 and 2019 premiership player, played 174 games and booted 164 goals across his 12-year AFL career.
The 29-year-old was selected with pick No. 7 overall at the 2010 AFL National Draft by the Gold Coast Suns, where he played 24 matches in two seasons.
Caddy moved back to Victoria to be closer to family ahead of the 2013 season, where he played 71 matches for Geelong across four years (2013-16).
Richmond secured a trade for Caddy late in the 2016 trade period, which would prove fruitful with the forward/midfielder playing 22 games, including the Grand Final win in his first season at the Club.
Caddy booted 46 goals in 2018 to be named in the All-Australian squad of 40 and placed in the top 10 of the Coleman and Jack Dyer Medals.
The Northern Knights product was again a regular senior player for the Tigers’ second premiership season in 2019, starting the year forward before shifting to an important wing role.
Caddy amassed over 350 disposals and kicked 15+ goals in the same season on five occasions throughout his career. He finishes his time at Richmond with 79 games in the yellow and black and 88 goals.
He said he had loved every minute of 12-year journey, but felt it was the right time to hang up the boots.
"I've struggled this year with my body...We all agreed that the time would be right for me to pull the pin and potentially open up a list spot for someone else to have their opportunity," Caddy said.
"I've been so lucky to have had the opportunities I had throughout my career and I can't help much at the moment on the field, but one way I can is potentially by doing that.
"It's been a long journey but at the same time, it's gone so quick...Footy has given me everything and I'm forever indebted to Gold Coast, Geelong and Richmond for making me the man that I am.
"Now I'm looking forward to sitting on the other side of the fence as a part of the Tiger Army."
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent Blair Hartley said that Caddy had made a considerable contribution to the Tigers.
“Josh can walk away from his AFL career with his head held high and proud of what he has achieved,” he added.
“His skillset made us a better team throughout a successful time for our Club and we value the connections and memories made along the way.
“We wish Josh all the best for the future, he will always be a Richmond man.”
