Port's Wakelin calls it quits
29/08/2007 2:09 PM
Port Adelaide veteran Darryl Wakelin has announced that 2007 will be his final season in the AFL.
The 33-year-old broke down in tears after the Power's victory over Geelong last Sunday when he sustained an adductor strain that he believed at the time might bring about the end of his 259-game AFL career.
But he is hopeful of returning to action during the finals in the expectation that Port will stay alive into the third week or perhaps go all the way to the Grand Final.
Wakelin told his team-mates of his decision to retire at Alberton on Wednesday before addressing the media.
"It was quite overwhelming emotions when I did the injury, thinking if it's a five-week injury that's going to be it," Wakelin said.
"You look at how you want to go out and you don't really see yourself going out that way.
"There's still a window of opportunity there for me and it will be up to me to get my body right and to show the coaches on the track that I'm ready to go."
Wakelin played 115 games for St Kilda from 1995-2000 before crossing to Port Adelaide where he played a critical role in the club's historic 2004 AFL premiership, shutting down Brisbane Lions veteran forward Alastair Lynch.
"As your time comes to an end you do get the chance to reflect on 13 years and I think about how lucky I've been to play at a club like Port Adelaide," Wakelin said.
Wakelin, who has a degree in pharmacy, said he would like to retain an involvement at the club.