Brad Agnew calls time on SANFL career

Tiger veteran Brad Agnew has advised the Club he will retire from SANFL footy after 12 years of donning the black and gold.

The gutsy player finishes with 155 League games and a historic premiership to his name.

Agnew’s decision comes after a string of recent injuries, but he leaves knowing he’s given it everything he had.

“Whilst I would have loved to keep playing, after enduring multiple ankle surgeries in the past couple of years physically I don’t believe I’m capable of training or playing at a level that I would like and expect of myself,” he said.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to represent the Tigers and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to play at such a great place in the GFC.

“Playing SANFL footy has been one of the most challenging and enjoyable things I have ever done, and as with most things in life there have been plenty of highs and lows along the way.

“I leave knowing the club is in an incredibly strong position with great leadership both on and off the field and I will enjoy watching in the years to come where there will no doubt be more success.”

Agnew arrived at the Bay from Mt Burr in 2009 and immediately tasted premiership success with the U18s in 2009 and 2010.

He went on to make his League debut in Round 1, 2011 in a game which saw Glenelg come back from a 41-point deficit at three-quarter time to defeat Sturt. But the next seven seasons would be far from smooth sailing, and it wasn’t until 2019 that Agnew’s lucked turned under senior coach Mark Stone.

Transitioning into a utility role, Agnew would be pivotal through the centre square in the finals campaign. He was best-on-ground for the Preliminary final with a masterclass performance, finishing with 27 disposals, 10 tackles and eight clearances. Unsurprisingly, he also received the 2019 Player Trademark Award.

And despite the injuries, concussions and everything that else that has come from Agnew putting his body on the line year after year, he reached the big 150 game milestone on home soil in Round 17 this year.

But many will say it’s his selfless attitude and humble character that will live on at the Bay for generations to come, with the respected player leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved – including Liam McBean.

“[He] epitomises what the fabric of this club is made of. [He’s] a Glenelg trademark player through and through. [He] inspires not only me but so many of his teammates every week,” said McBean before Agnew’s 150th game earlier this year.

Head of Football Paul Sandercock also spoke highly of Agnew’s involvement.

“Brad has been an outstanding contributor to the Glenelg Football Club both on and off the field. He is held in such high regard by all those who have played with him and coached him, and he is universally admired by all at the Glenelg Football Club,” Sandercock said.

“Brad simply played his role for the team every week and his attack on the ball was ferocious. He gave 100% and loved nothing more than playing football with his mates.”

Agnew extended his thanks to everyone who has supported him on his journey.

“There have been a huge number of people involved along the way and there are too many to individually name. I would like to acknowledge all involved during my time at the club, particularly the support staff, trainers and volunteers who give up a huge amount of their spare time to help out and are often the first to trainings and games and the last to leave. Also the playing group, who make it such an enjoyable place to spend so much of your time,” he said.

“I will single out my wife Mary who has dealt with many late-night trainings and missed dinners and events over the years. I’m looking forward to enjoying some extra time at home with Mary and our two sausage dogs, Kevin and Gary, whilst having the time to play some tennis and golf.”

The Club wishes Brad and Mary all the very best in the next phase of their life.