Essendon Football Club would like to congratulate Brent Stanton on an impressive career after the veteran announced his retirement today.

The 31 year-old spoke to his teammates this morning and informed them that his 14^th season in the red and black would be his last.

Stanton said he would be forever grateful to the Club for drafting him as a 17 year-old.

“This was a decision I have been wrestling with for some time, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to come back and play one more season for the footy Club that’s been such a huge part of my life,” Stanton said.

“I’m extremely grateful the Club gave me an opportunity to play at the elite level, and I leave with plenty of fond memories, a great group of mates and 255 games alongside my name.

“I’ve learnt a lot about myself over the course of this season. And while I haven’t played as much senior football as I would have liked, I’ve really enjoyed my time guiding and mentoring the young players in the VFL this season.

“I’ve always had a passion for coaching, and I now look forward to exploring the opportunity to pursue a career.

“I’d like to thank all my teammates, coaches and Essendon staff for their support, guidance and friendship over the journey. I’d like to thank my close mate and manager Adam Ramanauskas, as well as Susan Harper at TLA for help and support over the past five years. Thanks also to the Club’s members and supporters for your passion and commitment.

“Finally, and most importantly, to my Mum and Dad, brother, two sisters and my partner Sonja and my sons, Connor and Aiden, thank-you for giving me the opportunity to do what I love. Without you I would never have been able to achieve my childhood dream.”

Stanton hangs up the boots 13th on the Club’s games record list, and is the third highest possession gatherer to ever don the sash.

Known as ‘Mr Consistent’ due to his huge running engine and tireless work ethic, ‘Stants’ averaged more than 20 games a season between 2006 and 2015.

CEO, Xavier Campbell said Stanton was hugely respected player who would be remembered as a great Essendon person.

“On behalf of the entire Essendon family, I’d like to congratulate Brent on an incredible career and thank him for his loyalty and commitment over the past fourteen seasons,” Campbell said.

“More than 250 games, four podium finishes in the Crichton Medal, and a regular member of the Club’s leadership group, places him in the top echelon of players to pull on the red and black.

“Stants embodies what it means to be an Essendon player. Consistent, selfless, and a ruthless competitor.

“He’s incredibly loyal and very popular member of the playing group, and played an integral role in navigating the Club through the past five years.

“We wish Stants all the best for the remainder of this season, and believe he will make a successful transition into coaching.”

Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said Stanton’s experience around the Club has been invaluable.

“Brent is a highly respected member of the playing group with a great football mind, and to play 255 senior games of football is a fantastic achievement, which takes enormous sacrifice and resilience,” Worsfold said.

“Stants’ work ethic and attitude is super impressive, and despite announcing his retirement today, I know he is extremely driven to see the AFL and VFL sides achieve the success we all hope they can this season.

“He is a fantastic role model for our young players to look up to. I know he has had a huge impact on the VFL players this season, and really enjoyed his time mentoring them.

“I have no doubt that if he applies the same drive and work ethic he will give himself the best chance of carving out a successful career in coaching.”