News

Welsh announces retirement

Friday, 7 October 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Essendon utility Andrew Welsh today announced his retirement from AFL football after struggling to overcome an ankle injury sustained two years ago in a club practice match.

The Bombers’ vice captain, 28, told media that his body was struggling to cope with the rigours of AFL football and that he made the decision to retire to give a younger player an opportunity at senior level.

“I knew that I required surgery on my ankle because it has never been right since I injured it two years ago and then I would have required nine months rehabilitation on top of that,” Welsh said.

“In the end, I didn’t want to be sitting on the sidelines taking up a spot on the list doing rehab. It was important to me to do the right thing by the club and give a young player a chance.

“I wanted to make the best decision for the footy club I waited until the end of the season to try to take the emotion out of it but after everything this club has given me, I knew it was the right decision.”

Welsh, a favourite among Essendon supporters and team-mates alike, said he will miss the opportunity to be among his Essendon family everyday the most.

“I love the Essendon Football Club and it has been a huge part of my life. It’s going to really hard when the realisation sets in that I won’t be coming into the club everyday,” Welsh said.

“I will miss all the players and the people here at Essendon. There are a lot of good people at the Essendon Football Club and they will be friends for life.”

Welsh said he will now pursue personal business opportunities and is hopeful of securing work within the media.

“I’ll take a few weeks off, get my ankle operated on and then assess what opportunities come my way,” Welsh said.

“I’ve got several business interests but I’m pretty keen to look into some media work and possibly some acting so I’m keeping an open mind at the moment.”

Welsh made his debut in Round 7 2002, playing 162 games and kicking 32 goals after being drafted to the Bombers via selection 47 in the 2001 National AFL draft.

PLAYER PROFILE: Andrew Welsh

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Well said Welshy. Two words - THANK YOU.

- Bill Murray (posted 7/10/2011 10:48:14 AM)

Of all the players that have pulled on our famous guernsey, none have shown more quality of character and dedication to our Club than Welshie. He'll be sorely missed on the field, I hope he will not lost to the Club off the field. Well done mate, you're central to why we love the Club!

- Graham Flynn (posted 7/10/2011 10:49:31 AM)

Well done Welshy... Too young to retire? Dont know what to say.. Oh well you have done the right thing by the club and given a young fella a chance. Great person to have around the club in some capacity? anyway good luck and God bless.

- Michael Hanna (posted 7/10/2011 10:52:24 AM)

Andrew you have given so much inspiration to the club and its supporters. I've enjoyed watching your gutsy attack on the ball and skills since you entered the stage as a youngster in 2003. Now confirmed in the Essendon pantheon as a team man. There's 50,000 of us who'll back you to the end of your days.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 7/10/2011 10:52:59 AM)

Gave it your all Welshie,and wise move to realise the game has changed at an alarming rate,putting so much pressure on the older ones on our list. Thank you so much for your honest and courageous career,so much respect is there from all Members and Supporters for the way you played the game,and you should be so PROUD of your career !! We all are.Cheers Welshie :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 7/10/2011 10:53:22 AM)

a million and one thank you's for your time, effort and commitment to the Essendon Football Club Welshy. A fantastic playing career. You will be greatly missed. Maybe we can bring back your 50m penalty segment that always gave us a laugh.

- Samantha Whitelaw (posted 7/10/2011 10:53:34 AM)

Woosha all the best on your retirement mate, you have been an inspiration to Essendon and to all your team mates around you. You will be sorely missed. Hopefully you can play a big part in another role at Essendon, not only do we need your experience but your sense of humour!

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 7/10/2011 10:55:37 AM)

andrew welsh you have been such a significant player in essendon . thank you for all the hard work, we are all going to miss you. all te best for the future :) GO THE BOMBERS!

- Erika Arredondo (posted 7/10/2011 11:02:57 AM)

All the best Andrew and thanks for your selfless act. Good gutsy decision!

- David Husk (posted 7/10/2011 11:07:29 AM)

Thanks for all the hard work, Welshy! You'll always be a favourite son of the club. All the best for the future.

- Stephen Mc Ateer (posted 7/10/2011 11:08:34 AM)

Very sad news. What integrity you have shown Andrew. That's the attitude all clubs need from their players'....club first, not always easy to do. Congratulations on a stellar career. Best of luck for your future. With your likeable personality Andrew you will go far. Thank you for all that you have given at our club.

- Gail Taylor (posted 7/10/2011 11:11:30 AM)

To be remembered as a one-club player who gave his all is a tremendous accolade. For that player to have played with the greatest club of them all is the ultimate. You will be sorely missed and the Essendon family thank you for your inspirational efforts.

- David Ketels (posted 7/10/2011 11:12:44 AM)

Well done on a great career Welshy! All the best for the future.

- Johun Delhpon (posted 7/10/2011 11:14:37 AM)

Welshy you're a legend.

- Joyce Sellers (posted 7/10/2011 11:16:57 AM)

Thanks heaps welsh, good luck and best wishes in your future endeavors! Red and black for life....

- George Choueiri (posted 7/10/2011 11:19:09 AM)

Welshy thanks, your toughness in the team will be missed. It takes a real man to be honest with himself for both his own future and that of the club. I enjoyed watching you play. Thanks for the great years you put into this club.

- Stefanos Yannoukas (posted 7/10/2011 11:23:07 AM)

Welshy, thanks for the memories. You always put the team and your mates first and it is the case again. Your name will come up whenever people talk of truly dedicated Bombers and as a player who got the most out of what he had.

- Kris Bayne (posted 7/10/2011 11:24:58 AM)

Well done Andrew, thanx for your great service to the club, comforting to see someone put the club first, would be a good choice as coach of Bendigo then take on the Essendon reserves

- Mark McLachlan (posted 7/10/2011 11:26:20 AM)

My everlasting memory of Welshy came in his very first game at the MCG when he fearlessly backed into an oncoming pack to take a grab. Absolute courage and I think that sums up hs footy over the years and it's a pity his body let him down. All the best.

- Brett McDonald (posted 7/10/2011 11:29:58 AM)

A club champion even on the way he's leaving. Good luck for the future Welsh.

- Jason Wood (posted 7/10/2011 11:31:12 AM)

Welshy, tears streaming down my face, Bomber through and through. You were the instrument in beating Geelong with your 2 goals that night. When I spoke to you earlier, I can just tell you love nothing more than to be a cone club player. Wonder who will host 50 metre penalty.

- al Catraz (posted 7/10/2011 11:34:57 AM)

Well done on a great career Woosha, all the best in your life after footy.

- Simon Remington (posted 7/10/2011 11:51:02 AM)

Thank you Andrew for the enjoyment you have given me and my boys over your career. Enjoy the next chapter in your life. The Speers Boys.

- Melville Speers (posted 7/10/2011 11:53:18 AM)

Thanks Welshy for 9 years of loyal service at the Bombers. We, the fans, will miss you greatly. Good Luck in your future endeavours and I hope to see you on the big screen again in a few years!!!

- Alanna Haddrell (posted 7/10/2011 11:54:19 AM)

Great clubman, always played a role as best he could for the team. Thanks for your services to the club and we all wish you well in future.

- Matt Pocock (posted 7/10/2011 11:57:15 AM)

Well done Welshy. Wish you all the best in your business opportunities and looking forward to see you forge a media career.

- Srikanth Kancherla (posted 7/10/2011 12:00:17 PM)

Thanks for the memories welshy, you truly are a BOMBER..

- Sam La Rocca (posted 7/10/2011 12:07:04 PM)

Sorry to hear of Welshy’s retirement. I just loved watching him play. He never backed away from a contest and gave his all for the Red and Black. A true team man right to the end. I hope his attitude gets passed onto the next batch of young Bombers

- Greg Milici (posted 7/10/2011 12:14:03 PM)

I think Welshy still had a bit of go in him and would of been important for us in the future. Just needed more of a rest and get all the surgery done. Well done though Welshy :)

- Matthew Humphreys (posted 7/10/2011 12:14:22 PM)

What a mature decision, well done mate. While you will be dearly missed, you unfortunately made the right choice. Thanks mate, you have a great personality and it will take you far in the media! Best of luck :)

- Andrew Popovic (posted 7/10/2011 12:16:36 PM)

Played for our club with the passion and dedication of a true Bomber. Deserves the right to go out on his own terns, knowing that his contribution to the Essendon Football Club has been enormous and appreciated. Thank-you and well done.

- Wesley Hull (posted 7/10/2011 12:18:24 PM)

Dont go to far we need your comedy around the club. Best of luck for future opportunities !

- Pip Windsor (posted 7/10/2011 12:21:58 PM)

Good luck, Andrew, in whatever you decide to do in the future. You have given Essendon your utmost the whole time you have been there and I am sure you will be sadly missed by everybody around the Club and all Essendon supporters.

- Joan Hill (posted 7/10/2011 12:37:21 PM)

a warrior for our club. can i ask EI when the delistings/retirements ahead of trade week will be announced?

- Trevor Blainey (posted 7/10/2011 12:45:13 PM)

A big big thankyou to you Woosha you have been a great player and leader of this club we owe many great memories to you and your courage. all the best for the future mate

- Jeff Skinner (posted 7/10/2011 12:46:44 PM)

I knew it was coming but didn't want to acknowledge it. Your speech almost brought a tear to an old mans eye. I will have a drink tonight for one of the greatest clubmen to ever play football, anywhere.

- Kevin Jackson (posted 7/10/2011 12:56:04 PM)

So sad to see you go Welshy but as always you are putting the team first. Good luck and thanks for the wonderful memories. We'll miss you.

- Annette Dwija (posted 7/10/2011 1:03:38 PM)

Well done on a top career at the club Andrew , hopefully the club keeps you around in some capacity.When we field our own reserves team in 2013 , l think Welshy would be a perfect fit for the coaching gig.You have served the club well and showed plenty of spirit in the Essendon jumper.

- PETER DAVIES (posted 7/10/2011 1:07:26 PM)

Thanks Andrew Welsh for your commitment to the EFC. You will always be remembered as a one club man who gave his all, both on and off the field. All the very best in your future endevours, you will not be forgotten. Mike

- Michael Rance (posted 7/10/2011 1:28:16 PM)

I think that most of us could see this coming. All the best for your future Welshy, and you will be remembered as a player who didn't know how to give less than 100%, who when fit and at his best, was a very good tough nut player.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 7/10/2011 1:32:29 PM)

Thanks for being a part of the might E.F.C! Love ur work n will be missed. Good luck :-)

- elle ghalayini (posted 7/10/2011 1:47:40 PM)

Love u welshy. U have been a true Essendon man your whole career. Sad to see u go mate. Good luck In the future... U should coach Bendigo for us.

- James Brown (posted 7/10/2011 1:54:53 PM)

We will miss you but wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

- Cynthia McKenzie (posted 7/10/2011 1:57:30 PM)

Just glad he towled up the so called best defender since Silvagni when we beat Geelong. I'm sure Sheeds will be on to him now.

- Michael Walters (posted 7/10/2011 2:37:30 PM)

thank you andrew for your most selfless act. Character & courage were your two great strengths from the minute you walked in the door.Good luck in the future, you would be a great coach(hint )

- jim young (posted 7/10/2011 2:38:13 PM)

Welshy, Welshy, Welshy, time catches up with us all and I thank you for your onfield grunt and your commitment to EFC. Best wishes for the future and in my mind you've already won an Oscar

- Peter Murray (posted 7/10/2011 2:45:03 PM)

Well done Welshy, and good luck for life after footy. Am sure you will do a terrific job in the media, think your personality will carry you through and I know you are pretty confident with your looks too...!

- Andrew Christie (posted 7/10/2011 3:27:13 PM)

Thanks Welshy! Best wishes for all you do in the future!

- Nicole Cromie (posted 7/10/2011 3:47:24 PM)

Thanks so much Welshy for all you did for our club. I still put our win against Geelong this year to your duel with Scarlett early on in the match- not only you cut him out of the game but you kicked valuable goals. You will be sadly missed.

- Joe Barravecchio (posted 7/10/2011 3:52:05 PM)

Thankyou welshy for everything you are a champ,all the best for the future,go the dons.

- rocco scamozzi (posted 7/10/2011 4:00:05 PM)

Good on ya Wealshy. I'm a bit sad, but if you think that's the right decision, then have a great time away from football. You desreve it :)

- Nathan Boyes Boyes (posted 7/10/2011 4:00:11 PM)

Thanks mate, as always you have put the club first. Thank you and all the best for your future, what ever that may be.

- Gary Cheesman (posted 7/10/2011 4:22:56 PM)

Chris Judd will be pleased to see the back of him - it's a sad day for the Bombers. But I'm sure Welshy will do well at whatever he takes on.

- Luke Smith (posted 7/10/2011 4:28:17 PM)

Gutted, Thanks for your great contribution to our great club

- tom amos (posted 7/10/2011 4:47:52 PM)

a real footballer a great example of a true good person and one of the most fearless players that has everplayed the game .very dependable up back and just as potent when played forward.if it wasn't for your injury i feel sure andrew would have played for many more years.well done mate i am proud you put on the bomber guernsey best of luck for your future

- Daniel Ellul (posted 7/10/2011 5:27:16 PM)

sad to c u go andrew will miss wathcing u play

- Joe Muscara (posted 7/10/2011 5:32:42 PM)

Thanks welshy for being a fantastic player and role model to all, both on and off the field!

- Kerrie Ardley (posted 7/10/2011 5:47:26 PM)

All the best Welshy! Thanks for your contributions to the club. Hope to see you around the club in some capacity in the future. You’ve worn the red and black with pride and for us supporters that's something we value highly!

- Sam Willis (posted 7/10/2011 6:03:10 PM)

Andrew Welsh thanks for everything you have done for Essendon. Your selfless service and loyalty to the Bombers will always be remembered. I loved your game on Scarlett this year. It was indicative of your team first approach to football.

- Mary Howe (posted 7/10/2011 6:15:42 PM)

Players like Welshy don't come round that often he has Red and Black running through his viens, I hope Hirdy has him pencilled in for an assistants job, well done Andrew and good luck in the future.

- Rod Hooker (posted 7/10/2011 6:17:15 PM)

Bye Welshie and good luck. You are a great Essendon person and will always be remembered as a great team man. 50 metre Penalty was good also !!!!

- Geoff Park (posted 7/10/2011 6:21:34 PM)

So long Andrew thank you very much.. a true Bomber through and through ..

- Steve Craven (posted 7/10/2011 6:31:07 PM)

Courage, commitment, character - the first three words that come to mind when you think of Welshy. Will be sorely missed. All the best for the future.

- Ian Harrop (posted 7/10/2011 6:49:25 PM)

I'll miss you Welshy, you've been a favourite of mine since you arrived, we will miss you as much as you miss us. good luck in the future in all you do, i wish you the best with your surgery and rehabilitation, and with your furure career/s. Good luck and thankyou for the memories :)

- Kymmy Hinton (posted 7/10/2011 7:07:29 PM)

Thanks Welshy for the memories. You still have a great future ahead of you. I hope Hocking can keeping toweling up Judd like you did a few times. Cheers mate!!

- Clinton Fraser (posted 7/10/2011 7:12:07 PM)

Well done and good luck for your future.Very unlucky the last 4 years, would have been great watching you shine injury free.

- Martin Mills (posted 7/10/2011 7:34:43 PM)

Congrats on a wonderful career. Red and black through and through. It's a credit to you putting the team ahead of yourself. Good luck in the future.

- Julie Ness (posted 7/10/2011 7:45:58 PM)

Onya Welshy, a great leader and will be missed on the field! Good luck with your future endeavors and hope to see you at the club in some way shape or form! Cheers!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 7/10/2011 8:19:00 PM)

Well done on a great career at Essendon Walshy!!! Great committed player!!! I was so shocked when I read this today!!! Good luck Walsh and hope to see you around Essendon stil!!!

- Belinda Purves (posted 7/10/2011 8:22:19 PM)

Thanks for the memories Welshy Essendon FC is a stronger club for your contribution.SEE THE BOMBERS FLY UP UP....

- sheryl laird (posted 7/10/2011 8:31:41 PM)

Well done Woosha, way to young. What a great clubman..You will be sorely missed, you showed the true Bomber spirit every time you ran out in the jumper, put your body on the line for our great club. All the best of luck in the future in whatever you may do...Thanks Woosha.

- Rocky Furina (posted 7/10/2011 8:37:20 PM)

sad to see welsh go i always Remembered seeing Andrew welsh at VFL game back in 09 it was at Windy Hill he was sitting in the Stands he had h.es hoodie on and Said I am Angus Monfires my Mum said no it no its Andrew Welsh

- MARK JONES (posted 7/10/2011 8:55:53 PM)

Here's to you Andrew Welsh!! What a great person you are for the club in putting it & a younger player over any selfishness that some players may have. Would like to see you in some capacity within the club to enable the younger players understand what's required to be an afl player. You were tough & played for the jumper!! All the best mate, you are an ornament to this great game of ours & this great club...

- Joe Bartolo (posted 7/10/2011 8:58:43 PM)

Well done Welshy, always one of my favorites and a true classic to have around the club. If we were to make a clone of someone who bleeds red and black, then it would have to be Welshy. All the best mate.

- Cory Williams (posted 7/10/2011 8:59:39 PM)

so sad to see Andrew go he has been great player for our club i wish him the very best for the future and thank him for all that he has given to our club

- diane lovell (posted 7/10/2011 8:59:52 PM)

A real warrior for this club.Plyers of Welshy's callibre make clubs what they are.A fine person and a great competitor and clubman.

- Mark Elze (posted 7/10/2011 9:00:46 PM)

Andrew that takes courage to leave the AFL Senior Level to another Youngster. I thank you for a great career. You will always be with me, the supporters and the Essendon Football Club Thanks Welshy

- William Main (posted 7/10/2011 9:18:26 PM)

kinda disappointing that woosha seemingly found his spot as a tagging midfielder, only to get smashed by so many injuries. All I can say is, thanks for everything mate. You did the bombers proud.

- Marc Collis (posted 7/10/2011 9:37:18 PM)

Welshy you were a ripper player, have a heart of gold, tough as nails and the Essendon FC runs through your veins. Injury struck you down like it does so many but you will be sorely missed and I wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your life!

- David Beary (posted 7/10/2011 9:37:52 PM)

Bloody legend, on and off the field. Best of luck to your future mate.

- Matthew Penrose (posted 7/10/2011 10:34:33 PM)

What a champion. Bleeds red and black and its characters like his that makes the club great like it is. Will be sorely missed. Congratulations on a great career! Bomber man through and through.

- Caity D (posted 8/10/2011 12:13:41 AM)

we will miss you running out with the team in the mighty red & black. all the best for whatever comes your way may you have a long and happy retirement. rw

- Ruth Williams (posted 8/10/2011 1:12:30 AM)

Love you Andrew, and I will miss you so much. Hope to see you around some time.

- Rita Sharrock (posted 8/10/2011 2:21:24 AM)

An admirable character who has given us plenty. Good luck with your future.

- Peter Podgornik (posted 8/10/2011 2:49:08 AM)

Andrew Welsh is a classic example of the inequity with injuries this club has faced throughout the ages in comparison to others. I'm not imagining this, a little research confirms the view. Anyway, would like to thank Andrew for being so willing to give all to the Bombers - his passion and personality added significantly to the fabric of club culture. Just disappointed he wasn't able, through injury, to perform at his best onfield.

- Dennis Green (posted 8/10/2011 11:50:25 AM)

What a great speech Andrew made last night.I cried when he made his speech,then again when listeng to it on my phone that I recorded. OMG I am going to ball my eyes out when Fletcher and McVeigh finally retire.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 8/10/2011 1:51:01 PM)

Asked & given everything to his beloved Bombers.The view from my seat wont be the same. Missed already!Good luck,Welshy.

- Sheryl Richards (posted 8/10/2011 5:19:07 PM)

Welshy I hope you will see this message. Thank you SO MUCH for being the team man that you always have been!! My highlight of the Crichton Medal last night was your speech. It was SO from you heart! I am also glad I got to say thank you to you last night for everything & I REALLY meant that! Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Personally I think you'll be GREAT in media! I know you'll always be part of our club.

- Sue ONeill (posted 8/10/2011 6:14:49 PM)

Kevin,I did cry when Andrew gave his speech.God help me when McVeigh leaves. His speech is right up there.Behind Rama and his speech,it was so emotional and like Sue said.From the heart.Andrew said he is a essendon man and is only a phone call away,will do anything for the club. Andrew,you are a inspiration to us all.I thank you for everything you have done for this club.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 8/10/2011 9:21:28 PM)

Welshy - you are and always be a champion of EFC. Thank you for the years of great work, determination and passion. You will be missed. EI - will the entire press conference be put on bomber tv at some point?

- Tina Saccone (posted 9/10/2011 2:45:59 AM)

all the best welshy. you inspired our win against geelong this year. pity you couldnt get a premiership, a good player and servant during lean times at our great club.

- Simon Taylor (posted 9/10/2011 11:20:57 AM)

A quality club man to the end, congratulations on your career Welshy.

- Darren Wynands (posted 9/10/2011 2:05:02 PM)

You truly love the Bombers Welshy.Team,team,team was, is and always will be your mantra. Thanks for the memories mate. I am sure you will be back at this club in the future in some form or the other. Get well soon.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 9/10/2011 3:12:33 PM)

Thank u Andrew for all ur efforts for this great club. Good luck for the future, mate.

- Nick Tomaras (posted 9/10/2011 3:31:27 PM)

Good Luck and thank you for all your efforts for the team. You have always been a leader and inspirational to the young guys. Hope you stay connected to us

- Maureen Cooper (posted 9/10/2011 4:53:00 PM)

What a horrific 2011 Welshy had. Jinxed almost. Honestly thought he'd come back firing and give us a couple of solid seasons in '12 and '13 before hanging up the boots then. But when I learnt that he'd be out all of 2012, I can understand his decision. Certainly put the team first. Well done Andrew and thanks.

- Daisy Graham (posted 9/10/2011 9:16:30 PM)

THANKS ANDREW FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN TO EFC AND THE EXCITEMENT YOU HAVE GIVEN ME WATCHING YOU PLAY THANKS BUDDY BUT SAD TO SEE YOU GO !

- Michael Andrews (posted 9/10/2011 10:23:03 PM)

I hope the club,put his speech on bombertv.Its a speech not to be missed. It showed from his heart,how much this club really meant to him. I hope every Essendon fan gets to hear his speech. Thanks for the great memories Andrew. Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 10/10/2011 10:42:23 AM)

Ray,Margaret & bob,nearly 100 posts about Andrew Welsh,and no thoughts just yet... Now is that selective supporting,or bias against him which is why your posts might not have been accepted??!! Or do you just post something with other people in mind,mainly as a target??!! Welshie deserves better,after what he has given to this Club.. His Speech Crichton night says it all about what makes him tick,and how much he loves this Club.. :-) Shame some supporters struggle to express themselves trying to display the same passion,love and loyalty for the Mighty EFC,that Andrew did naturally throughout his career AND his speech... Go Bombers :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 10/10/2011 2:20:40 PM)

full Welsh presser in Bomber TV now!

- Essendon Insider Temp (posted 10/10/2011 2:26:32 PM)

Sorry to hear about Welshy retiring but I know he has had ongoing injury problems and has played with them showing his legion to the Club. Very corrageous in my opinion to do this, and he will be very sadly missed by all. Hope you will stay involved in some way with EFC. Best of luck in your future prospects.

- Lyn Robeson (posted 10/10/2011 5:03:03 PM)

thankyou welshyand all the best for the future

- Doreen Gelston (posted 10/10/2011 7:30:15 PM)

Well done EIT..with posting Welshie's heartfelt speech :-) Should be EITChamp!! Go Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 10/10/2011 10:08:44 PM)

Well Done Wooosha.... Truly a footballer's - footballer.... Great player with a big heart ! Thanks mate and all the best for the future. Member 1172737

- John Stevens (posted 12/10/2011 2:10:01 PM)

Thanks for the dedication to our great club. You will be missed

- Myrna Hawkett (posted 12/10/2011 11:18:51 PM)