Bartel announces retirement

[Turbocat]

The best Moment player I have ever seen... The Jimmy jumps , The Jimmy Marks , and he scores... just watch that 2011 GF...all the best and thanks for the memories.

 

[lionbear]

What a player, massive loss, goes out on top.

Great career, good luck in life after footy.

 

[BIGANT]

Bambi's gone feel somewhat, Scott pushed him by not guaranteeing him certain selection.

 

[x_les_x]

Seen it confirmed just wanted to pop in and congratulate the bloke in a astounding career. In his prime was an absoloute beast; if you needed a genuine match winner he was always the one. Made me go say ****sake on so many occasions. One of the blokes you cant possibly hate going to miss your number 3 from a neutral point of view all the best hopefully the next no3 isnhalf as good

 

[Mad_Hatter]

This sucks, Boris and Jimmy gone, 2 of the Cats all time Greats

 

[goyoucatters]

In any discussions about the folklore of our footy club, people will only have to speak the name 'Jimmy' for everyone to know exactly who they are talking about.

That's how much of a luminary this GFC champion has become down at the Cattery.

Stood tall for so many years on the field through a glorious era at the club. And his class and courage in attacking the scourge of DV in recent times has been a clinching testament to his character off the field as well.

Footy in 2017 without Corza and JB is really hard to imagine.

A monumental footballer (in the supposed age of 'the athlete') who rose to the occasion time after time.

Loved your career, Jim. And love how you've always loved our footy club as much as us supporters do.

Might have retired. But will never be forgotten.

 

[patience]

I believe he has gone at the right time but so sad. Geelong without Bartel. Doesn't seem right.

 

[GHS33]

Bambi's gone feel somewhat, Scott pushed him by not guaranteeing him certain selection.

Here we go.

 

[Tonga Bob]

Congrats on a wonderful career Jimmy. Enjoy your post-playing career, and may your retirement look a lot like this...

 

[Catman]

One look at his achievements...

Say no more.

Legend.

 

[Stig_90]

Sad news. Absolute champion. Mackie and Lonergan are really the only two left from that amazing crop of players we drafted in the early 2000's.

 

[Son_Of_God29]

Thankyou Jimmy - Words cannot describe the impact you have had on our footy club

Hall of Fame career

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

What a career! Onya Jimmeh, and thank you

 

[juzcat]

awesome career. maybe he gets picked up but hope not. good time for him to go in my view but really wish there was not all the crap around it. emd of the day he had the contract option to male the call. his choice and its cool that it was and not forced albeit many here say it was inferred. thanks for the awesome games and being a team man

 

[BIGANT]

Here we go.

Nooo was just my opinion amongst the sadness....i'm not a troll or bitter supporter like some on here. Sux not to say gb to Jimmeh

 

[Grape Bear]

Congratulations on a great career.

 

[corio bay]

so sad to see the end of his playing career.

maybe i'll see him down at the local fish and chip shop more often now

 

[cats_09]

Sad to see Jimmy retire.

Also time to buy a new guernsey and a new number - have always said that once he retires I retire the #3 off my back also.

Thanks for the memories Jimmy and along with Boris we losing 2 absolute legends of our club. Best of luck in retirement

 

[Pollywaffle]

If you wanted a fairytale AFL career look no further. Goes out with all boxes ticked.
The Iceman goeth....

 

[jdz101]

Bartel was a ripper player and a champion of the game.

Sucks to see him go.

 

[hbk_aus]

Interesting statement - "GFC and Bartel mutually agreed...", "While I still feel like I have more to give...". I guess they always feel like that but it has the hint of a little nudge into the sunset. Right decision though for mine.

 

[dazbroncos]

Total definition of what a Champion should be.
Gave his own game up to further the team's successes for several years when it was probably easier for him to play his preferred roles.
As has been noted, a players player, a fans player, a coaches player and forever a GFC player.

Will be missed as much for what he did on the track as off it.

And while im talking about on the track....
What a career. Been a privilege to have been able to watch him go around for 15 years... and that whole group infact. Impossible to separate them but best known as another member of the Greatest Team of All.

GO Catters

 

[Catman]

637 games
268 goals
6 x Premierships
1 x Brownlow
8 x All Australians
1 x Norm Smith
2 x Carji Greeves Medals
2 x Wacky Wednesday specialists

That's what's gone over the past fortnight.

 

[Shai]

Thanks Jimmy, class from the start to the finish

 

[Boxhead_31]

A legend on and off the field the man they call Jimmy will live long in the storied history the Geelong Football Club and forever in the hearts of its members.
Thank you for the memories number three enjoy your well earned rest.