Late-bloomer defender Alex Keath has retired from the AFL after 109 games for the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide.
The 32-year-old hung up the boots after managing only five games in 2024 with Rory Lobb's rise as a defender limiting his game time.
Keath initially signed with Gold Coast Suns as a 17-year-old in 2009 but chose cricket instead, playing professionally for Victoria and Big Bash side Melbourne Stars.
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He made the switch to AFL in 2016 as a 24-year-old, joining the Adelaide Crows as a Category B rookie.
After 30 games at Adelaide, Keath requested a trade to the Bulldogs for the 2020 season and played a further 79 games, including the 2021 AFL Grand Final.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Western Bulldogs Football Club,” Keath said via a Bulldogs statement.
“The players, coaches, support staff and volunteers have been a pleasure to work with.
“To our fans - it’s been a privilege to represent the Bulldogs faithful over the journey. The memories will last a lifetime, thank you.”
Bulldogs list manager Sam Power said about Keath: "He is the epitome of hard work and determination, a reliable defender who gave his all each time he ran onto the field. He’s also a much-loved and highly respected individual, not just by his teammates but also by staff across all sections of our club."