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The Carlton Football Club confirmed today that Nick Stevens has been forced to retire as a player due to a serious neck injury.
“There has been much speculation on Nick’s future and we have been in discussions with Nick and the medical team since the end of the season after it was revealed he had again injured his neck. Following further discussions this week and a meeting with the AFL, Nick has confirmed his decision to retire,” said Carlton CEO Greg Swann.
Stevens has played 104 games for Carlton since 2004 having previously played 127 games for Port Adelaide for a career total 231 matches since making his AFL debut in 1998.
“It is very disappointing to have my career end due to injury, retirement is not something I had been thinking about but I have no option due to the neck injury. After consulting with the specialist, the club doctor and the club as well as discussions with my family, I realised the risk in continuing to play football is far too great so the decision was forced on me,” Stevens said today.
“What makes it even harder is that Carlton is on the verge of a successful era and I would dearly love to be a part of it. While very disappointed I am thankful that I have been able to play over 200 AFL games and have enjoyed being involved with Carlton and Port Adelaide for over 10 years,” Stevens added.
Stevens suffered a serious neck injury early in 2007 restricting him to the first three rounds of the season. In early May in 2007 he underwent surgery that involved the removal of an injured disc and disc prolapse, a bone graft from his hip and the insertion of a small plate and screw into his neck. While the successful surgery enabled Stevens to return to football in 2008, it has been decided it is in his best interests to retire from the game now and not risk possible further damage.
“I am thankful I have a business outside of football and this sudden end to my career is a reminder to all players to ensure you have other things in your life outside football as you just never know what is around the corner. Having just got married (in early October) it is important to me and that I am able to lead an active life and not risk my future,” said Stevens.
Carlton Coach Brett Ratten said it was disappointing to lose such an important player, particularly at this time of the team’s development.
“Nick has been a very important player for Carlton in his six years with the club. He has played a vital role in the development of the younger players at the club through his leadership and there has never been a question on his ability to win and use the ball.
“At his peak he has certainly been one of the elite midfielders in the AFL. He has been runner-up in the John Nicholls Medal on two occasions and was also runner-up and third in the Port Adelaide Best & Fairest Award before joining Carlton. We will certainly miss his talent and importantly his experience.”
Carlton CEO Greg Swann said the club was disappointed that the career of one of the club’s leaders had been ended prematurely due to injury.
“He joined Carlton when the Club was at its lowest and has worked hard to be a part of the resurgence of Carlton. It is a shame he will not be a part of Carlton as we work together to build a successful future for the club, His hard work during the tough years and the determination he displayed in returning from the serious neck injury certainly deserves a better ending.”
Nick Stevens was recruited from Port Adelaide with Carlton’s first round selection in the 2004 AFL Pre-season Draft. He was originally recruited by Port Adelaide with the number 25 selection in the 1997 AFL National Draft after playing his junior football with St Mary’s and the Preston Under 18s.
Nick Stevens
AFL Games Played - 231
Carlton Games - 104 Port Adelaide - 127
Carlton Vice-Captain - 2006 & 2008
AFL Pre-Season Premierships: Four - 2005 & 2007 (Carlton), 2001 & 2002 (Port Adelaide)
Michael Tuck Medal - 2002 & 2007
John Nicholls Medal Runner-Up - 2005 & 2007
Port Adelaide Best & Fairest Runner Up in 2000, third in 2001
International Rules Series representative in 2001
Carlton will invite Nick to complete a lap of honour at the Club’s first home game in 2010.
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