Geelong great Mitch Duncan to retire at end of 2025 season

The dual premiership player informed teammates at Geelong’s training session on Friday.

Duncan had left the door ajar to a move to another club in an interview with Triple M earlier this month but he has decided to call time after a gliterring 16-year career where his pinpoint kicking and consistency stood out.

The 34-year-old is currently out of the side and faces an uphill battle to return to the Geelong line-up with just one player on their injury list.

Duncan last featured at AFL level as the unused substitute in round 17 and suffered an untimely shoulder injury in the VFL the next day which required surgery.

The skilfull utility made a promising VFL return in Geelong’s final home-and-away game and slotted a goal with what might be his final kick as an AFL footballer.

His close friend and former Geelong teammate Billie Smedts ran onto the ground and Sydney’s Tramway Oval to celebrate the goal with Duncan.

Duncan said he will be doing everything he can to help Geelong to another flag.

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

“Every day I thank Stephen Wells for calling out my name on draft night in 2009. I’m grateful to have been part of this Club, a Club filled with so many great people past and present, who have not only taught me about football, but have also helped mould me into the person I am.

“At the end of our season I will sit back and reflect more, however I know that I couldn’t have enjoyed the career I have if it wasn’t for my wife, children and immediate family for always supporting and giving me the best opportunity to have success in my career.

“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, whether that’s on or off the field.”

Taken with pick 28 in the 2009 draft, the Carine and East Perth product has played 305 games — equal fifth all-time — and kicked 185 goals for Geelong.

Duncan became the seventh Cat to play 300 games earlier this year in Geelong’s win over the Western Bulldogs.

In a nod to his reliability, he recorded seven top-10 best-and-fairest finishes, including finishing runner-up in 2017.

Duncan has played in 28 finals for the Cats and was the youngest player in Geelong’s 2011 premiership side and kicked a memorable goal after coming on as the substitute.

He has worked closely with Geelong’s younger players this year in the VFL and is regarded as an assistant coach in waiting.

Geelong general manager of football Mackie, who was a premiership teammate of Duncan’s, recognised his significant contribution to the club.

“Mitch has been an outstanding person and footballer to have at our Club over the past 16 years,” Mackie said.

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“A trademark over Mitch’s 305 games to date has been his skill and high football IQ, allowing him to play with such flexibility for whatever the team has required, and continues to be a true team-first player.

“Mitch’s value has not been just with how he plays the game, but with how he has shared his knowledge and experience with the younger generations of Cats players who have come through the ranks over his career and he will continue to play an important part within our squad over this coming Finals campaign.

“While there will be a time to celebrate Mitch’s career at Geelong at the end of our season, we thank Mitch, Demi, Scarlett, Ollie, Archie and Parker for their contribution to the Club.”

Originally published as Geelong great Mitch Duncan to retire at end of 2025 season