Three-time Richmond premiership forward Jason Castagna has announced his retirement from AFL football effective immediately.
Castagna, 26, told teammates the news today, conceding that he had ultimately lost his love for the game.
“I love everything about this Club and everyone in it, which has been the thing that has made this decision the hardest,” he said.
“This game is such a demanding one physically and mentally, and something I have given my all to since I first walked in the doors here and for the years before that.
“Now that I cannot give that same energy, it has made me realise that I would be letting the boys and the Club down if I just coasted through and did not give it my all until the end, which has led me to this call.”
Castagna added that he was grateful for the connections he had made across his journey and for the opportunity to share his milestones and achievements with family and friends.
“One my favourite things about playing AFL football has been that I got to go out on the MCG each week, warm up with the Castagna name on my back, and represent my family. I will always be proud of that.
“The connection I feel to this group and the past players that I spent time with here as well is something I will have forever and I am so grateful for that.”
The Northern Knights/Marcellin College product was selected with pick No. 29 overall at the 2014 AFL Rookie Draft, going on to play 134 senior matches and booting 127 goals.
Castagna was a key part of Richmond's recent era of success, featuring in 92 of a possible 95 matches (the equal most of any Richmond player) and averaging over a goal per game between 2017 and 2020.
After being tried out initially in his draft position as a dashing defender, Castagna made his mark in his third season in the AFL as a frenetic forward, helping to transform the way Damien Hardwick's side played in the drought-breaking 2017 premiership campaign.
Castagna became renowned internally and across the competition as an excellent runner and pressure player who could also hit the scoreboard through his elite evasiveness and ability to kick on both sides of his body.
He and champion teammate Dustin Martin were the only Tigers to boot 25 goals or more in each of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons; such was his consistency throughout that period.
Castagna had a career-best season in 2019, finishing in the top 10 of the Jack Dyer Medal. He also had a standout Grand Final performance, gathering 20 disposals and being a constant goal threat with five behinds and six marks.
Richmond General Manager- Football Talent Blair Hartley thanked the triple-premiership forward for his massive contribution to the Club and selfless role across his career.
“Jason has been the ultimate team mate over the course of his 134 games at Richmond,” he added.
“He worked so hard on his craft to become an integral part of our team by playing a team-orientated and disciplined role in our forward line.
“Jason is so selfless and went about his business with minimum fuss. He set the tone with the pressure he created in the forward half of the ground through effort, grit and the ability to win or halve contests for the team.
"He has had a terrific career, playing an important role in three premierships, and can walk away proud of his achievements as an AFL footballer. We wish Jason and his family all the best for the next chapter, and he will always be a Richmond Man.”
