Final Bell tolls for Bombers ruckman

ESSENDON ruckman Tom Bellchambers says his body can’t go on and the 31-year-old has announced his retirement from the AFL.

Bellchambers was one of the Bomber players forced to sit out the 2016 season because of the supplements scandal but played his best season in 2018.

Across 13 seasons the ruckman never managed more than 20 matches and played just seven games in 2020, suffering “persistent” knee injuries in the compacted schedule.

Bellchambers finishes his career with 136 games in the red and black.

“This club has been a huge part of my life for the last 13 years. I can genuinely say I have enjoyed all the ups and downs that my career has thrown at me,” Bellchambers said. “I’ve been lucky to live out my childhood dream and in doing so have created some amazing memories and friendships along the way that I will cherish forever.

“Physically, my body is telling me my time is up and I go out knowing that I couldn’t have given any more to this great club.

“I wish the boys nothing but success, and I believe we are on the right path to get there.”

Essendon coach John Worsfold paid tribute.

“Tom’s been a loyal and wonderful player for the club over an extended period of time,” Worsfold said. “His contribution as a ruckman for our team can’t be underestimated, and for Tom to have played 13 seasons of AFL football is a credit to the way he’s applied himself to the game.

“While he hasn’t enjoyed the continuity of games which he would’ve liked to have achieved this year, Tom’s role in helping mentor our developing ruckman in Sam Draper and Nick Bryan has been first class and shows the character and leadership he possesses”

Essendon finish their 2020 season with a game against Melbourne Demons at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.