Premiership defenders Josh Hunt and Stephen Gilham will retire from AFL football at the end of the season.
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Greater Western Sydney Giants veterans Josh Hunt and Stephen Gilham have announced they will retire from AFL football at the end of the 2014 season.
The premiership-winning defenders told teammates of their decision to retire on Tuesday morning.
Hunt joined the Giants for the 2014 season after 198 games and two premierships with Geelong and has played 13 games for the expansion club.
The 32-year-old said he loved every second of playing for the fledgling club and thanked the team for their support.
“I want to thank the coaches, the support staff and in particular the playing group who have made me feel so welcome. The whole club has made my wife Linda and I feel like part of the family which has been great,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to what life chucks at me after here and I’m going to enjoy watching you take it up to the rest of the competition and race up the ladder.”
29-year old Gilham has played 15 games for the Giants over two seasons after being part of the Hawthorn premiership side in 2008.
“It’s been a great journey for me over the past 12 years to be involved at three clubs at the AFL level,” he said.
“I’ve been battling the last few years with injury and that’s the reason why I decided half way through the year this would be my last season.
“It’s been a real privilege to play with you guys. I’ve loved being involved with this group. I’ve got a lot of great mates in this room, and mates that I’ll have for the rest of my life.
“If this group stays together, continues to work hard, the sky is the limit.”
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