Dockers veteran Hill retires

Fremantle Dockers midfielder Stephen Hill has announced his retirement from AFL football, calling time on his career after 218 games.

The West Perth product was recruited with pick 3 in the 2008 AFL Draft behind Jack Watts and Nic Naitanui, making his debut in round 1 of 2009 against the Western Bulldogs.

He would play every game in his first season, playing 95 of his first 100 possible games at AFL level as he quickly established himself as a speedy skillful wingman for Fremantle.

He finished fourth in the Doig Medal in just his second season in 2010, a year he was also named the AFL Coaching Association’s best young player.

He won one Ross Glendinning Medal for his 32 possessions and three goals against West Coast in round 15, 2014.

Sadly Hill's final seasons were blighted by injury, with several soft tissue injuries restricting him to just 28 games of a possible 86 since the start of 2018.

“I’d just like to thank the football club for giving me the opportunity, they drafted me and it allowed me to live out my childhood dream of playing AFL, it’s been an amazing journey,” Hill said.

“I’ve met some incredible people along the way and it’s definitely hard to say goodbye, but I know it’s the right time.

“In the last couple years, my body hasn’t held up and it’s been difficult physically and mentally, it’s been a challenge.

“I’m just so grateful to have been able to play for 13 years with 200-plus games. I’m super proud and extremely grateful.”

Fremantle will honour Hill this weekend ahead of their final home game of the season against West Coast, which is likely to be played on Sunday afternoon at Optus Stadium.

IMAGE: Sporting News.