Richmond defender Will Thursfield has announced his retirement from AFL football.

The 25-year-old, whose contract with the Tigers expired at the end of the 2011 season, has decided to call it quits after a 77-game league career.

“There are some other avenues in my life I’m keen to pursue, and I just felt the time was right to step away from AFL football,” Thursfield said.

“I’m proud to have played the game at the highest level over the past seven seasons, and have enjoyed my involvement at Richmond, but I’m now looking forward to taking up these opportunities.”  

Thursfield was elevated off Richmond’s rookie list in 2005 and made his AFL debut with the Tigers in Round 14 that season, against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.

He missed a year of football when he underwent a total knee reconstruction after damaging the anterior cruciate and medial ligaments in his left knee during the Round 2, 2006 clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium. 

In that match, he’d won rave reviews for his fine defensive performance on Saints champion Nick Riewoldt.

When Thursfield returned in 2007, he established himself as a regular member of the Tigers’ line-up, and he earned an AFL Rising Star nomination that season.

Over the past couple of years, however, injuries and form issues have combined to confine Thursfield to the fringes of senior selection at Tigerland.

In 2011, Thursfield had managed just one appearance for Richmond up until Round 15, but he finished the season with a string of solid performances.

“We wish Will all the best as he pursues the next phase of his life,” said Richmond’s General Manager of Football Operations, Craig Cameron.

“Will has been part of the Richmond family for seven years, and we want to thank him for the contribution he has made to the Club.”
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