Retiring Carlton utility Dennis Armfield says he will leave the club cherishing every moment he spent in the Blues’ jumper.
The 30-year-old, who has struggled for opportunities in 2017 as the club shapes its future with youth, will play out the remainder of the season before hanging up his most proud possession – a Carlton jumper.
“I love the Carlton Football Club and I loved playing for the club,” he told SEN Afternoons.
“Anything to do with Carlton I love.”
Originally drafted with the 46th overall selection at the 2007 national draft from WA club Swan Districts, the speedy wingman has carved out a decade-long career comprising 143 games and 75 goals.
By his own admission the ride has been one he never envisioned while growing up playing rugby union.
“I am the first to admit I wasn’t the most skillful player in footy but I cherished every moment I had in the Carlton jumper,” he said.
“I just gave all that I had and sometimes it didn’t work out and sometimes it did, but I just wanted to come off the ground every game thinking I gave all I had.”
Armfield has played just three senior games this season and says the fact he’s been on the outer underlines the strength of a club he feels is brilliantly placed to attack the next phase of its development.
“Where the club is at now is a super position…if only my body could hold on for a few more years because I reckon the club is in a great spot,” he said.
“They’ve got some great people in some great areas in terms of staff and some great young players coming through.”
A recipient of the 2015 Jim Stynes Community leadership award for his work at Odyssey House, the veteran Blue says his life motto is a simple one.
“I lived by the motto I live to give,” he said.
Armfield is currently involved in assisting Carlton’s AFLW program and says it’s an option to pursue post football.
He is also part-way through a podiatry degree.