Towna to Southport after AFL retirement
RETIRING AFL journeyman Jacob Townsend has opened up about the tough decision to pull the pin on his 10-year, 62game career at the top level.
Townsend called time on his AFL career after Gold Coast chose not to redraft the 28-year-old in last month’s National and Rookie Drafts.
The Suns delisted Townsend at the end of October with the consideration he would be redrafted as a rookie.
“When they took Charlie Constable in the national draft, I knew that decreased my chances of being picked up the next day,” Townsend said.
“I spoke to (the Suns) on the day of the Rookie Draft and they pretty much said ‘we won’t pick you up’ but that I could keep training with them.
“Me and Stuart Dew had a pretty honest chat about it … and I thought it was the correct time for me to hang them up.”
After 10 seasons and four clubs, the 2017 Richmond premiership player said it was time to think about life after football.
“I’ve been fighting for my spot on a list for the past four years and I wanted a bit of certainty that they (the Suns) couldn’t give me,” Townsend said.
“I have the next phase of my life planned out now and I’m already looking forward to that.”
That next phase keeps him on the Gold Coast and close by the Suns – Townsend agreeing to terms with VFL club Southport Sharks this week.
The 2017 JJ Liston Trophy winner will bring a wealth of experience to the Sharks in their second season in the VFL.
“I decided that while I’m fit enough and in the correct space of mind, I want to play at the highest level I can and obviously the VFL is that,” Townsend said.
“At this stage of mine and my partner’s life it’s the best thing for us – that’s when I made the choice to stay up here (and) become a full-time Gold Coaster.”
Ten seasons, 62 games and a premiership is an odd AFL career stat line but Townsend retires content with what he has achieved at the top level.
A parting Instagram post from Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale was the cherry on top for the 2017 flag cult hero.
“I didn’t really expect that from ‘The Chief’ – seeing that was pretty nice, I did enjoy that.”