Collingwood premiership defender Ben Reid has announced his retirement, effective immediately.
The 31-year-old played just two games this year as he continued to battle hamstring issues and he revealed that another setback on Thursday convinced him to hang up the boots ahead of the club’s elimination final against West Coast.
“This year was going to be my last and I had a minor setback on Thursday so rather than take a risk and go to Perth I thought it was better to let a younger player go, someone with their future ahead of them,” Reid said in a club statement.
“In a sense, I grew up at Collingwood and I’m just so thankful for all that I experienced, all that I learnt and the many great people I met.
“It was just a wonderful time in my life that I wish could go on forever but, of course, it never can and my time has come. The next phase of my life, with my wife Erin, has arrived and we’re looking forward to that.
“Thanks to the Collingwood Army for their fanaticism and voice. Thanks to the many team-mates, coaches, friends and family who travelled with me over the years. Whatever I was able to do it was with your help.”
Reid played 152 games for the Magpies over 13 seasons and was most notably part of the club’s 2010 premiership side.
He was also named in the 2011 All-Australian team.