Beau McDonald announces his retirement.

[TheBrownDog]

Goodbye to the gentle giant. A truly humble and modest bloke who had almost infinite time for supporters.

Was a very talented ruckman before injuries shattered his career. Luckily he got a couple of premiership medallions before it all went downhill.

Injuries end it for Big Beau

Andrew Hamilton
Link to original Article

BATTLE-scarred premiership ruckman Beau McDonald has announced his retirement on the eve of his 11th AFL season.

McDonald shocked the Lions yesterday when he said his body, which has endured numerous operations over a horror five-year stretch, could not withstand another AFL season.

He is one of the most popular Lions, and no one at the organisation who has watched him endure setback after setback would begrudge him his decision.

Coach Leigh Matthews last night confirmed the 28-year-old was left with little choice after another injury-plagued pre-season.

"His body just won't do it," Matthews said.

"He hasn't even been able to do summer training. His body is just shot.

"He has decided that rather than beating his head against the wall trying to get ready to play, it was time to give it up."

Although McDonald has retired, he is officially unfit to play and will be placed on the long-term injury list, which allows the club to elevate a rookie-listed player.

Promising ruckman Joel Tippett is set to make his debut in the NAB Cup against Essendon on Saturday night and would be a leading contender.

"A rookie will be upgraded and I guess the tallest of them would be a chance," Matthews said of Tippett's claims. McDonald is one of football's hard-luck stories, but he can also lay claim to delivering two of the most unforgettable moments in two of Brisbane's AFL premierships.

In the 2001 grand final it was McDonald who took the ball from a throw-in and fed Michael Voss for the snap on goal which sealed the Lions' historic first flag.

His 2002 moment was an act of desperation to be there with his teammates as they celebrated their second flag.

McDonald had been rushed to hospital with a badly dislocated shoulder but once the joint had been put back he hailed a cab and raced back to the ground, jumping the fence of the MCG barefooted and running to join his mates on the stage.

Matthews last night paid tribute to the work McDonald did to try to resurrect his career.

"I can vividly remember at Subiaco Oval when he jumped in the centre square and went down holding his knee and virtually didn't play for three years," Matthews said.

"He persevered and persevered, but he has never been the same player since."

The day Matthews referred to was July 5, 2003 in a game against Fremantle at Subiaco.

The injury was a destroyed ACL which required an immediate reconstruction.

McDonald played no football in 2004 or 2005.

In the five seasons that have passed, he has managed only 16 more games to take his final career tally to 91.

McDonald made a brave comeback in 2006 in his home town of Perth against the Eagles but badly tore his hamstring in a soccer game during the mid-season bye, wrecking his season.

Again last year he fought back for eight senior games, but a hip injury hampered him and the club's 2006 top draft pick, Matthew Leuenberger, grabbed the opportunity and cemented his spot with an unbroken nine-game run to the end of the season.

[PieLebo87]

A great player who I always respected and enjoyed watching. Shame about the injuries, especially at 28.

It was even recently I was hoping Collingwood would enquire about him, as he would've been more then handy in our ruck department.

Best of luck for the future.

[PieLebo87]

By the way, just a quick question, with his retirement, I know there is Charman and Leuy, but who else? I dont think 2 ruckmen are enough, especially with one being so young and raw. I must be forgetting someone.

[TheBrownDog]

Originally Posted by PieLebo87

By the way, just a quick question, with his retirement, I know there is Charman and Leuy, but who else? I dont think 2 ruckmen are enough, especially with one being so young and raw. I must be forgetting someone.

Joel Tippett will probably be elevated off the rookie list. Mitch Clark is also capable of pitch hitting in the ruck.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Brisbane pick another ruckman up in the 2008 draft. We've always liked to have a surplus in this department.

[Magic17]

Might miss Cam Wood now.

[TheBrownDog]

Originally Posted by Magic17

Might miss Cam Wood now.

I don't think Beau featured heavily in the club's long term plans. There was always significant doubt on his ability to get back on the field.

Tippett, Clark and Brennan can all ruck if absolutely needed.

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Retirements in February-March always amaze me. Every year there will be a player giving it away on the eve of the new season. Why dont players and teams come to this decision BEFORE the drafts?

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Originally Posted by Timmy from Thomastown

Retirements in February-March always amaze me. Every year there will be a player giving it away on the eve of the new season. Why dont players and teams come to this decision BEFORE the drafts?

It says his preseason has been injury affected. If it was a pre-existing injury and he expected to miss the preseason he should have gone earlier. If it was just a host of niggles that have frustrated him and kept him from training, it probably makes sense that he can't go on. It does leave the Lions a man short though.

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Originally Posted by The Old Dark Navy's

It says his preseason has been injury affected..

And how does that differ from the past seven preseasons?

[beez]

Beau McDonald > Darren Goldspink

[DarthTed]

Originally Posted by Timmy from Thomastown

And how does that differ from the past seven preseasons?

It differs because this time he reached a point where he simply could not go on, or didn't think that it was worth going on.

It's possible that it's something that he discussed with the club at the end of last year and it was decided to give it a try and see what happened. Even if this was totally out of the blue for the club there is no benefit to the club in him going on when he doesn't think his body is up to it.

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Originally Posted by Timmy from Thomastown

And how does that differ from the past seven preseasons?

Another missed preseason at 28, 3rd in the pecking order in the ruck, he probably saw the writing on the wall. At the end of last year he may have thought to give it one last chance and been committed to playing but with the preseason almost over and him not being able to participate, it is always time for soul searching. At 25, 26, 27 you probably think you have time, get to 28 with no faith you can get back and your mindset changes.

[Timmy from Thomastown]

Originally Posted by DarthTed

It differs because this time he reached a point where he simply could not go on, or didn't think that it was worth going on..

I'm aware of that.

But clubs have to make hard decisions sometimes, and with tight lists maybe they should have considered him too big a risk back in October. Brisabne have made a habit in recent years of "rewarding" washed up champions with an extra season when their bodies are not up to it.

[Niko_52]

He was always injured the poor guy and was a not bad player.

[DarthTed]

Originally Posted by Timmy from Thomastown

I'm aware of that.

But clubs have to make hard decisions sometimes, and with tight lists maybe they should have considered him too big a risk back in October. Brisabne have made a habit in recent years of "rewarding" washed up champions with an extra season when their bodies are not up to it.

That's clearly a risk Brisbane were willing to take. Didn't work out in this instance but obviously they thought taking a risk on McDonald was better than punting on a late round draft selection.