Premiership star makes huge career call

Two-time Premiership Cat Mitch Duncan has announced he will retire at the end of Geelong’s 2025 AFL campaign.

The 34-year-old midfielder informed teammates of his decision at training on Friday morning, ahead of what will be his 14th AFL Finals series.

Renowned for his skill and versatility, Duncan has been a mainstay of Geelong’s line-up across 16 seasons, playing key roles as a midfielder, forward and defender. He enjoyed premiership success in 2011 as the youngest player in the Cats’ side, and again in 2022 with a standout 27-disposal, 13-mark and one-goal performance in the Grand Final against Sydney.

Recruited from Carine and East Perth in Western Australia with pick 28 in the 2009 national draft, Duncan has played 305 games to date and kicked 185 goals since debuting in Round 1, 2010. He became the seventh player in Geelong’s history to reach the 300-game milestone earlier this year.

Duncan was awarded Cats Life Membership in 2017 and AFL Life Membership in 2023. He has also been a consistent performer in the Carji Greeves Medal count, with seven top-10 finishes, including runner-up in 2017.

“After 16 years at AFL level, I feel now is the right time to hang up the boots,” Duncan said.

“I’m grateful to have been part of this Club, a Club filled with so many great people who have not only taught me about football, but also helped mould me into the person I am.

“While I’m making this decision now, over the next month I’m focused on doing everything I can to help the Cats win its next premiership.”

Cats Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie praised Duncan as an “outstanding person and footballer”, noting his impact both on the field and in mentoring younger players.

A celebration of Duncan’s decorated career will be held at the conclusion of Geelong’s 2025 season.