MEDIA RELEASE
Carlton's Craig Bradley has requested the following statement be distributed to all media.
"I would like to make a brief statement in regards to season 2003.
Firstly, I'm fit, motivated and confident of being a valuable contributor to the team next season. Secondly, I would like to announce my retirement.
I have spoken to Denis Pagan and he has left the door open for me to play on. I thank him for the respect he has shown me with such an opportunity.
I have many people to thank and will do so in the coming weeks.
I would however like to publicly thank the Carlton Football Club and the Port Adelaide Football Club for many wonderful times and their influences in shaping my life.
To leave the game with a bit left in the tank and in good personal form makes me feel good.
It's fitting that, Australian tour aside, my last game of footy was against Port Adelaide, a game in which I punctured my lung and broke a couple of ribs (thanks Port).
I'm a little excited about stepping back from the game and also a little nervous. I trust Donna (my wife) can handle any anxiety attacks coming her way.
As a son, it's rewarding to have your parents enjoy your life.
My mother was my greatest supporter and god help anyone who crossed me within ear shot of mum.
My dad is my hero. Thanks for teaching me the game of footy.
I thank him for taking me with him when he coached footy.
At age five, six, seven, he would take me, include me in his environment and his passion and I loved it.
Our routine went something like:
9am game with Pooraka Under Nines and scull a bottle of coke after a victory;
Rush off to grab some fish and chips and one pineapple fritter;
Sit with dad eating and watching Woodville Under 17s play and then hang around to be the mascot and watch dad's Under 19s play -- I'd wander around all day kicking the footy;
Then, to finish the day, back to nanna's for more chips and eggs and watching the footy replay;
The ultimate day. For me anyway, a very special time.
Mum and Dad, thanks for being there all the way and yet never pushing me.
Before I finish, I would especially like to acknowledge Geof Motley for all his help and guidance.
Good luck to my fantastic Carlton team mates in 2003. I'll be watching closely.
Go Blues.
Craig Bradley, October 31, 2002.
Ends
Carlton's Craig Bradley has requested the following statement be distributed to all media.
"I would like to make a brief statement in regards to season 2003.
Firstly, I'm fit, motivated and confident of being a valuable contributor to the team next season. Secondly, I would like to announce my retirement.
I have spoken to Denis Pagan and he has left the door open for me to play on. I thank him for the respect he has shown me with such an opportunity.
I have many people to thank and will do so in the coming weeks.
I would however like to publicly thank the Carlton Football Club and the Port Adelaide Football Club for many wonderful times and their influences in shaping my life.
To leave the game with a bit left in the tank and in good personal form makes me feel good.
It's fitting that, Australian tour aside, my last game of footy was against Port Adelaide, a game in which I punctured my lung and broke a couple of ribs (thanks Port).
I'm a little excited about stepping back from the game and also a little nervous. I trust Donna (my wife) can handle any anxiety attacks coming her way.
As a son, it's rewarding to have your parents enjoy your life.
My mother was my greatest supporter and god help anyone who crossed me within ear shot of mum.
My dad is my hero. Thanks for teaching me the game of footy.
I thank him for taking me with him when he coached footy.
At age five, six, seven, he would take me, include me in his environment and his passion and I loved it.
Our routine went something like:
9am game with Pooraka Under Nines and scull a bottle of coke after a victory;
Rush off to grab some fish and chips and one pineapple fritter;
Sit with dad eating and watching Woodville Under 17s play and then hang around to be the mascot and watch dad's Under 19s play -- I'd wander around all day kicking the footy;
Then, to finish the day, back to nanna's for more chips and eggs and watching the footy replay;
The ultimate day. For me anyway, a very special time.
Mum and Dad, thanks for being there all the way and yet never pushing me.
Before I finish, I would especially like to acknowledge Geof Motley for all his help and guidance.
Good luck to my fantastic Carlton team mates in 2003. I'll be watching closely.
Go Blues.
Craig Bradley, October 31, 2002.
Ends
