ONE of Melbourne’s most exciting players of its modern era, Aaron Davey, has announced his retirement.
Davey, 30, has played 176 AFL matches and kicked 174 goals for Melbourne since he made his debut against Hawthorn at the MCG in round one, 2004.
He will finish inside Melbourne’s top 30 games record holder.
Davey said he cherished every moment with the Demons – whether it was through good or tough times.
“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given and it’s helped me become the person I’ve become today,” he said.
“I’m going to miss my teammates … they’ve made my journey along the way really enjoyable.
“I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and the Melbourne Football Club will always be a club I’ll hold close to my heart.
That stems back all the way to the opportunity [former coach] Neale Daniher gave me.”
General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Davey had achieved a fantastic career.
“As a player, he really revolutionised the game with his speed and tackling pressure that he put in the forward line,” he said.
“He moved into the midfield where he won a best and fairest. We can all still see the elite kick that he has and his ability to use the ball – we’re still seeing that today.
“The mentoring he’s done with our indigenous players, but to also our young players, he’s developed that over time. For that fact, we would like to keep Aaron involved in the footy club in some capacity next year and we’ve already started to speak to Aaron about that.”
Originally drafted at No.3 in the Rookie Draft in December 2003, Davey reignited the small forward position when he burst on the AFL scene, with his defensive pressure a feature of his play.
He became an instant favourite with Melbourne supporters – and across the competition – with his silky skills, elusiveness and sharpshooting around goal.
His left foot became a weapon for the Demons, particularly when he shifted in the midfield and played across half-back.
Davey’s versatility became a highlight of his play, but he reverted back to where it all started, as a forward, in the latter part of his career.
Hailing from Darwin, Davey shone with VFL side Port Melbourne in 2003, before gaining his AFL opportunity.
In his first year, he received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination and eventually came runner-up to former teammate and now Geelong defender Jared Rivers in the overall award.
The following season in 2005, he finished third in Melbourne’s best and fairest.
He then represented Australia against Ireland in the International Rules series in 2005-06.
In 2009, Davey produced his finest season, winning the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy.
He also came fourth in the 2010 club champion and fifth in 2007.
In 2011, he was named joint vice-captain.
Davey will be remembered as one of Melbourne’s most popular players.
