Nick Dal Santo retires after 15-year AFL career
Former St Kilda and North Melbourne star Nick Dal Santo has officially brought his decorated AFL career to a close.
Dal Santo was part of the shock Kangaroos cull that also saw Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie and Michael Firrito depart Arden Street at the end of the season.
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The 32-year-old had been hoping to find a new club as a delisted free agent, but instead retired on Tuesday after 322 AFL games.
“After 15 years of highs and lows, I can now say that this chapter of my life is behind me,” Dal Santo said via Instagram on Tuesday.
“With mixed emotions and lots of processing, I’m excited about what’s ahead. Combinations of media, coaching and corporate are the areas I’ll focus on going forward.
“I have learnt so much from my time in the game and those who I’ve encountered on the way, which has put me in a great position to prepare for what’s ahead.
“I’d like to sincerely thank St. Kilda and North Melbourne, along with all the dedicated supporters, for allowing me to play the game I love for 15 years.”
Dal Santo was the 13th player selected at the 2001 draft that became known as the “super” draft after it produced stars like Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Chris Judd.
He played in all three of the Saints’ grand final teams, came second in the 2011 Brownlow medal count and was an All Australian three times before he crossed to North as a free agent at the end of the 2013 season.