Premiership Cat Rhys Stanley has announced his retirement from AFL football, closing a decorated career spanning 230 games, 18 seasons and over a decade in the Hoops.  

Selected by St Kilda with Pick 47 in the 2008 AFL National Draft, Stanley played 58 games across six seasons with the Saints before joining Geelong during the 2014 Trade Period.  

Arriving as a versatile tall, Stanley evolved into Geelong's leading ruckman and across his 172 games for the Club, established himself as a pivotal, reliable and consistent part of the team.   

A key part of Geelong’s 2022 premiership winning season, Stanley’s athleticism, ruck craft and strong partnership with Mark Blicavs provided the team with valuable flexibility.  

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Rhys Stanley of the Cats and Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats celebrate winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos)

Across 12 seasons at the Cats, Stanley proved to be a high value recruit, consistently embracing whatever role was required and putting the needs of the team first. Stanley’s selfless approach and professionalism made him a trusted contributor throughout a successful period for the Club. 
 
“Thank you to the St Kilda Football Club for giving this lanky country boy an opportunity way back in 2008, and to the Geelong Football Club for helping shape the person I am today,” Stanley said. 

“There are so many special people at the Cats who have made my family’s and my time in football as enjoyable as it could possibly be.  

“It’s been a rollercoaster, but gee it’s been fun. Memories and friendships that will be with me forever.” 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Rhys Stanley of the Cats celebrates with his family during the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Geelong Cats Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie congratulated Stanley on his career and thanked him for his service to the Club. 

“Rhys has been an important part of our Club over the last 12 seasons and we congratulate him on his fantastic career,” Mackie said. 

“Very few players have established themselves at a new Club as successfully as Rhys did. He has been a consistent part of our side for the best part of a decade and within that has been a dependable contributor who adapted to whatever role the team required of him.  

“Rhys departs the Club as a Premiership player, a highly respected and well liked teammate, and someone who has played an important role in supporting the development of our emerging rucks in recent seasons. It's a reflection of the person and teammate he has been throughout his time a Geelong. 

“We thank Rhys for everything he has given to the Club, and we wish Rhys, Kirsten, Jagger, Sloane and Hudson all the best for the future. They are always welcome at Geelong.”