Carlton veteran Andrew Carrazzo has this morning told teammates that he will retire from football at the end of the season. He will play his final game in Saturday's clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.

The 31-year-old has played 193 games in the navy blue jumper since making his debut in Round 21, 2004 against Melbourne. He was recruited to Carlton with a first round selection in the 2003 Rookie Draft, after spending two years on the rookie list at Geelong where he won the Best and Fairest for the Cats’ VFL side.

After arriving at Carlton, Carrazzo’s hard work and determination soon saw him elevated from the rookie list. In 2007, he won Carlton’s John Nicholls Medal as the Club’s Best and Fairest and the following year joined the Blues’ leadership group.

Carrazzo has served as Carlton’s vice-captain and is also a Carlton Life Member.

Blues Head of Football Andrew McKay says the veteran midfielder will be missed.

“Andrew is one of those players you know would bleed blue – he put his heart and soul into everything he did at this football club and we have been privileged to have him as part of our team,” McKay said.

“He has always shown tremendous leadership both on and off the field, especially as a mentor to our younger players.

“On behalf of everyone at Carlton I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution and wish him and his family every success in the future.”

Carrazzo’s Stats

DOB: 15 December 1983
Debut: Round 21, 2004 v Melbourne
Games: 193
Goals: 48
Guernsey No. 44
Carlton Player No. 1083

Career Highlights

John Nicholls Medal winner 2007
Pre-season Premiership Player 2005 & 2007
Best Clubman 2008
Carlton Life Member, awarded 2011
Leadership group 2008-2014
Carlton vice-captain 2013-2014