After an AFL career spanning 268 games, including 215 at Carlton, Heath Scotland will be placed on the long-term injury list and will retire at the end of the season.
Carlton made the announcement at Visy Park today, revealing Scotland has been struggling with a chronic ankle injury, which will prohibit him playing through the rigours of AFL.
The 33-year-old says the injury has taken its toll physically, mentally and emotionally.
“It’s been a really tough decision, but I’ve had a lot of work done on my ankle and it’s just getting worse and worse,” Scotland said.
“I know the time is right for me now, because I just can’t physically get up to the standard required – my body won’t enable me to do that.
“For me, from the moment I knew about football, I’ve invested everything mentally and emotionally – I love the game. The reality that my career has finished is hard to fathom.
“I hope my teammates, our club and Carlton fans will remember me as a player who left everything out there. I’m going to miss it but I’m also excited about the future, whatever it may hold.”
Carlton’s GM – Football Operations Andrew McKay says Scotland has made a tremendous contribution to the Blues, both on and off the field.
“Heath is the kind of player, and person, who wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been a courageous player, a leader in our team, and much-valued member of the Carlton Football Club,” McKay said.
“Unfortunately Heath’s ankle injury has made it impossible for him to continue backing up after each game, and our medical staff have advised his ankle won’t cope with playing at the elite level.
“On behalf everyone at Carlton I want to commend Heath on an outstanding career and thank him for his contribution.”
President Stephen Kernahan says Scotland is going to be missed by everyone at Carlton.
“Scotto is a champion of our football club who has been a terrific servant for our team,” Kernahan said.
“He came to Carlton at what was a difficult time in our history and he has given his all from the very start with his workman-like attitude.
“Heath’s family has also been very much a part of our football club; his wife Alisha and their two boys are in the rooms after every game.
“It’s always a hard day when you see a champion’s career come to an end, but Heath will certainly go down as one of Carlton’s all-time greats, and as being one of the last old-school footballers in our game.
“I want to wish Heath and his family all the very best for the future – we know he will remain very much a part of our club in the years to come.”
Scotland’s decorated career includes winning the 2012 John Nicholls Medal as Carlton’s Best & Fairest, two pre-season premierships, and four years in Carlton’s leadership group. In 2011 Scotland was awarded Carlton Life Membership.
Carlton fans will have the chance to pay their respects to Scotland this Sunday at the MCG, where he will be acknowledged in a lap of honour ahead of the match against Adelaide.
Heath Scotland’s Stats
DOB: 21 July 1980
Games: 268 (215 at Carlton)
AFL Debut: Round 3, 1999 v West Coast
Carlton Debut: Round 1, 2004 v Fremantle
Guernsey No: 29
Carlton Player No: 1075
Goals: 81 (69 at Carlton)
Career Highlights
2004 8th Best and Fairest
2004 Most Carlton Votes in the Brownlow Medal
2005 Pre-Season Premiership Player
2005 7th Best and Fairest
2006 3rd Best and Fairest
2006 Most Carlton Votes in the Brownlow Medal
2007 Leadership Group
2007 Pre-Season Premiership Player
2007 2nd Best and Fairest
2007 Most Carlton Votes in the Brownlow Medal
2008 Leadership Group
2008 9th Best and Fairest
2009 Leadership Group
2010 Leadership Group
2010 8th Best and Fairest
2011 4th Best and Fairest
2011 Best Clubman
2011 Life Membership
2012 Best and Fairest - John Nicholls Medal
