Retired #22: Matthew Leuenberger - offered a new deal but chose to retire - 24/10

[kleanr]

nice to read “I look forward to sitting back as an Essendon fan to watch next season unfold.

also shocked to read he is 30, looks 55!

 

[blitzer]

Leuey really was a handy player to have on our list these past few years and its a shame that he decided to retire but I reckon we'll see the effect of the work he did with Draper for many years to come.

 

[Vindicater]

Glad he went out on his own terms.

I have no doubt that he would not have played AFL this season unless we had multiple ruck issues

 

[eth-dog]

Other names are:

Dane Hollenkamp.
Jordan Sweet.
Thomas Hallebone.
Darcy Fort.
Mark Baker.
Tim Sullivan.
Jeremy Goddard.

Oliver Eastland ahead of all bar Fort.

 

[Blind Turn]

Zach Clarke is 28 and can jump straight in. If he wants another crack at it but purely as a back-up then he’s the perfect interim option for a long term Bellcho injury. If that happened I would not want to rely on Draper for a full season without senior ruck support, especially while we have been stacking our list for a premiership tilt in the near future.

 

[Bombermania]

Good luck to Leuy, its always good to see someone go out on their terms, he was a good player in his prime.

 

[Doss]

I have a lot of time for Leuy. A really humble and nice guy too.

Best of luck in retirement, Matthew.

 

[naraku]

I'm not surprised at all, but hoped he would go around again.

Good luck to him and thanks to Luey too

 

[srobbo]

Damn...was hoping he’d go around just the one more year to guide young draper along some more.

In saying that, I’m quite happy for Smack & JD to roll through there to chop belcho out for 5 mins here & there. Won’t do them any harm getting their hands on it if they’re struggling to get a kick either...

Anyway, this about Luey & I thank him for his clubmanship & services & all the best in retirement.

 

[yaco55]

Interviewed on SEN and has already organised his life post footy - He's back in Perth and starts a full time job next Monday. May play the odd game with mates in a lower league.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

That tells me he was house hunting a fair while ago and had a house ready to be shifted into.

Hope he does well post AFL lifestyle.