Jonas, Bruce add to ever-growing AFL retirement list

August 22, 2023 4:31 pm.by Michael Maguire

Tom Jonas AFL news — Port Adelaide skipper Tom Jonas will retire at the end of the season. (Picture: PAFC)

This year’s list of AFL retirees gained two more notable names on Tuesday as Port Adelaide’s Tom Jonas and the Western Bulldogs’ Josh Bruce called time on their respective careers.

The Power skipper confirmed that he will play out the remainder of the season, while Bruce – currently sidelined with a knee injury – bows out effective immediately.

“I moved out of home at 17 to Sydney as a skinny, hyperactive little kid and I’m finishing here as a not-so-skinny, still hyperactive grown man, with two beautiful kids,” Bruce said via the Western Bulldogs website.

“I can rest my head on the pillow knowing that every gruelling pre-season session, every rehab session and every game at three clubs, I gave my absolute everything.

“The move to the Bulldogs has been one of the most defining moments of my life. I’ve got so many connections through Rohan Smith coaching me at under-16s level, living with Stewart Edge in my first year at GWS and time spent with Ameet Bains at St Kilda.

“It’s fitting to finish up here and I look forward to exploring some coaching opportunities into the future.”

Bruce played 14 games for the GWS Giants before joining St Kilda, where he played 99 games and kicked 168 goals.

He moved to the Bulldogs in 2020 and went on to play 50 games, taking his career total to 163.

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It has been a difficult year for Jonas, who was dropped from the team in round 12 and has struggled to regain his spot in the Power defence since.

He has captained the side since 2019 and will bow out as one of only 11 Port Adelaide players to play 200 games in the AFL.

“It’s been a fair rollercoaster but for me there have been so many more ups than downs,” Jonas said in a press conference.

“You reflect on moments that maybe at the time were tough and challenging, exhausting or sad, but ultimately, they’re what makes you appreciate the good times and they’re what make you galvanise relationships and friendships with everyone that you spend time with along the way.

“The good thing about this for me is that the final chapter hasn’t been written, and that’s really exciting. For me it was about removing any distraction from the team with what we’ve got to look forward to in the month ahead.”

Jonas is expected to feature in Port’s clash with Richmond at Adelaide Oval this weekend, where the Power might have a chance to lock up a home final if other results fall their way.

AFL bookmakers have Ken Hinkley’s men pegged as $1.13 favourites to beat the Tigers, while they are paying $6 to win the premiership.

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