Premiership defenders Josh Hunt and Stephen Gilham have announced they will retire from AFL football at the end of the 2014 season.



Hunt joined the GIANTS for the 2014 season after 198 games and two premierships (2007 and 2011) at Geelong and has played 13 games for the GIANTS.



The 32-year old was selection 44 in the 2000 National AFL Draft and has played 211 career matches.



29-year old Gilham has played 15 games for the GIANTS over two seasons after being part of the Hawthorn premiership side in 2008.



Gilham was selected at pick 16 by Port Adelaide in the 2002 National AFL Draft and has played 114 games.



The pair addressed the playing group this morning with Hunt urging his team mates to make the most of their time in the AFL.



“It flies by, three years ago I was getting a premiership medal and thinking I have 10 years to go. It catches up with you pretty quick and this year has been amazing and I’ve loved every second of it,” he said.



“I want to thank the coaches, the support staff and in particular the playing group who have made me feel so welcome. The whole club has made my wife Linda and I feel like part of the family which has been great.



“I’m really looking forward to what life chucks at me after here and I’m going to enjoy watching you take it up to the rest of the competition and race up the ladder."



Gilham joined Hunt in thanking the GIANTS for welcoming him to the club.



“It’s been a great journey for me over the past 12 years to be involved at three clubs at the AFL level.



“I’ve been battling the last few years with injury and that’s the reason why I decided half way through the year this would be my last season.



“It’s been a real privilege to play with you guys. I’ve loved being involved with this group. I’ve got a lot of great mates in this room, and mates that I’ll have for the rest of my life.



“If this group stays together, continues to work hard, the sky is the limit."



General Manager Football Graeme Allan congratulated the pair on their AFL careers.



"Josh and Stephen came to the GIANTS after winning premierships at Geelong and Hawthorn and their experience has been invaluable for the club," he said.



"They have helped mentor young players and shown them what it takes to achieve ultimate success in our game. They should be very proud of their careers and what they have achieved.



"We thank them for their contribution and wish Josh and Stephen and their families all the very best for the future."



Up Next By The Numbers: Round 22 Why not share? label.close Share This Article Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on WhatsApp

Copy link Link copied to clipboard Share Share this article