News Grant Birchall Retires

[PattyKwasagun]

Just announced that Birch has retired. He had some detractors over his two years at the club, but at his best did form a pretty deadly half-back pairing with Rich.

Birchall makes big call on playing future

Four-time premiership player Grant Birchaell has called time on his AFL celebrated career.

The 33-year-old defender will bow out after 16 seasons and 287 games with Hawthorn and Brisbane Lions, highlighted by his four flags with the Hawks in 2008 and 2013-15.

His last game came in the Lions' breathtaking one-point semi-final loss to Western Bulldogs last Saturday night.

Birchall told his Lions teammates of his decision on Friday morning as the club also farewelled assistant coach Dale Tapping, who is returning to Victoria.

 

[Elixuh]

Well done on a great career Birch. Shame we couldn’t get you another flag.

 

[Nuggo]

Good on you Birch. Great career.

 

[davemc_lions]

added some stability to our back 6.. Would of been happy he went around again
Thanks Birch

 

[PattyKwasagun]

‘A good bloke’: Birchall feels the love as four-time flag winner retires

Grant Birchall has retired. He does so after four premierships and 287 games, without anyone having a bad word to say about him.

The off-hand comment Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan made when he signed off on a conversation about the 33-year-old said so much about the esteem in which the defender is held.

"Write a good story about him. He deserves it," Fagan said.

That's not hard when it comes to the unassuming Devonport product with the hunch-backed running style and the piercing left-foot who was a key component of the Hawks' golden era.

"He's just a good bloke, a good bloke to have a beer with and not one to push himself to the front or want to be the hero. He just got the job done," Fagan said.

 

[Nunez]

Had a rock solid two years as a Lion. Was time to bow out and he knew it. Gave it his all and big credit to him for coming back quite fit this season.

 

[Paul Kersey]

Congratulations. A Hawthorn great. Pity the injuries got him.

 

[Cubs2Lions]

 

[scoman]

Pretty impressive to see him play so much football for us. Shame he wasn't able to grab another premiership but a pretty damn good career overall. I wonder what's next for him?

 

[Back2Back2Back]

Good on him, a very decent innings and has served us well. I'm surprised it was as continuous and not managed week in week out like Mumford.

 

[Shaq attack]

Was solid in his time with us but definitely looked off the pace this year. Excited to see who takes his place in the starting 22 for next season.

 

[Vyrone Trickery]

Was so grateful that your physios up there got Birch back fit and on the park. Ripping player, hugely underrated

 

[Daniels Riches]

Congrats on a wonderful career Birch. This bloke was elite at his peak and a huge part of the successful Hawthorn era. Put your feet up, enjoy retirement and enjoy reflecting on what you have achieved over the past 15 years. Thanks for being a part of the Lions family [emoji109][emoji106][emoji881]

On moto g(30) using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Jim Stynes11]

Wonderful career, and never hear a bad word said about the bloke.
Gave us great stability at half back, probably the right time to bow out

 

[Clarkythelion]

Cheers Mr Birchall, thanks for your help, we are good to go now on our own.

 

[knaf]

congratulations on a great career Birch. you made a good contribution to our club on the field and by reports off field as well. It was nice to see you running around in a Lions jumper, but a pity it wasn’t the 2012 version.

Stepped down at the right time, particularly given the list squeeze. Won’t mind seeing you have some form of on going involvement with the club or with Queensland footy. The Hawks link has been good for us.

 

[LionsMaw]

Wow, look at all the people now talking Birch up. The one player always getting shat on, apart from Lester & McStay, was Birch. It's like when someone who was thought of as an absolute arseh*le when they were alive suddenly becomes this much loved hero put on a pedestal now that they're dead. Unbelievable.

 

[martinson]

I'm missing the Lachie Neale

9

Lachie Neale

Age

32

Ht

177cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

27.0

5star

K

11.5

4star

HB

15.5

5star

M

4.0

4star

T

3.7

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

28.3

5star

K

13.9

5star

HB

14.4

5star

M

4.6

4star

T

4.0

5star

CL

5.9

5star

D

12.0

3star

K

4.6

2star

HB

7.4

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

1.0

3star

CL

0.4

3star

thread.

 

[Eons]

Wow, look at all the people now talking Birch up. The one player always getting shat on, apart from Lester & McStay, was Birch. It's like when someone who was thought of as an absolute a-hole when they were alive suddenly becomes this much loved hero put on a pedestal now that they're dead. Unbelievable.

People can seperate his career as a whole to his last 2 years with us. Yes he was past it this year but he has been an absolute star for most of his career and desrves respect for all his achievements.

 

[martinson]

I was your greatest defender on this site Birch until I turned in the last few weeks of your career for which I am truly sorry. The pressure got to me.

You were a great player in your time , 4 flags is a remarkable achievement, let's hope you maintain your connection with the Lions going forward.

 

[Elixuh]

I was your greatest defender on this site Birch until I turned in the last few weeks of your career for which I am truly sorry. The pressure got to me.

You were a great player in your time , 4 flags is a remarkable achievement, let's hope you maintain your connection with the Lions going forward.

Birch always forgives but never forgets.

 

[Gadzorks]

I own my opinions that Birch's best days physically were behind him and we couldn't afford him in the team next year. I stand by that opinion.

I also acknowledge and appreciate that he was one of the best in the game during his prime, and I cringed when we played against him.

By all reports he is a player that has had a big impact on the professional approach and preparation of our younger players. I am thankful he spent time with us. He leaves this as a legacy that hopefully will remain for at least a decade after this retirement.

All the best Birchall.

 

[POBT]

Wow, look at all the people now talking Birch up. The one player always getting shat on, apart from Lester & McStay, was Birch. It's like when someone who was thought of as an absolute a-hole when they were alive suddenly becomes this much loved hero put on a pedestal now that they're dead. Unbelievable.

Very nuanced point of view.

 

[Elixuh]

I think this clip demonstrates Birch’s skill and that he always only ever had eyes for the ball(s).



(This is legitimately what I always remember when I think of Birch)

 

[irish]

thanks Birch for being a lion , great career a true champion of the hawks and lions