Morton calls time on AFL career

**dimelb** · 3 August 2013, 11:25 AM

The Age story is done sympathetically and highlights the anxiety as a possible factor:

Swans' Morton stepping down

**rojo** · 3 August 2013, 11:45 AM

I too feel sad that Mitch wasn't given the opportunity to cement a place in the side this year, we really don't know how good he could have been with a secure spot. However last year he came in when Benny was out but with Benny back in and playing well, and with the rotation of the 'excess' mids through the forward line plus giving games to the youngies there has not been a spot for him but it is a bit strange that he couldn't get a game after his great contribution in the finals and on the Big Day. However, looking in from the outside we don't see the whole picture, all the factors leading to the decisions made.

As has been said he will always have a special place as one of the heroes of the Swans' Grand Final victory and I too wish him well for the future.

**msb** · 3 August 2013, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by Reggi

Great story. Not a gun, will long be remembered for the 2012 gf. Will have watched him get that ball out to Kieran Jack 50 times

Yep agree wholeheartedly, I have no hesitation in saying we would not of won the GF without him, those couple of goals plus the Jack assist were massively crucial. Onya Mitch all the best for the future.

**Primmy** · 3 August 2013, 01:47 PM

Originally posted by jono2707

When I heard the news today I thought of WCE's Tom Swift, who retired at a young age last year so he could go and study medicine. I know, shock horror, some people see a life and a future outside of AFL.... Someone like Mitch probably just doesn't want to continue with the struggle of making the grade, and he most likely already has some pretty strong ideas of where his next career will take him. Good on him.

I was close to posting almost exactly the same thoughts jono. He is a young man who has taken stock, and decided he has done the best he could, given his unusual 'handicap', and called time on the footy side of his life so that he can get on with the next phase. In his statement he is obviously happy with his decision, and happy to stay around and be involved on another level while he gets on with things, without the inevitable footy stress issues he has. Smart man. Many could learn from him.

**poundpuppy** · 3 August 2013, 04:56 PM

I was so looking forward to watching Mitch thrive as a regular senior player this year and it was disappointing to see him overlooked so often. I wonder if he was told his contract would not be renewed next year and he didn't want to start afresh with a new club when he now thought of himself as a Swan for life. I will never forget Mitch's contribution to our premiership victory and wish him all the best for the future ....

**Velour&Ruffles** · 3 August 2013, 09:09 PM

Of all the players who take to the field in our great game, few indeed get to play in a grand final and of those only half will experience the joy of victory. Mitch Morton will always be able to say that, not only did he play on the biggest stage of all, but that, when his unexpected moment came, he was one of that rarest breed - the ones who stand taller than anyone thought possible and turned the tide of the game. There are others one could say this of too, but it is no exaggeration to say that without Mitch Morton there would be no 2012 Premiership. His role was crucial. As far as I am concerned, he lives in the Pantheon. Thank you Mitch. The two goals were great but the two-on-one was greater still. I am saddened by your leaving but will be forever happy that you joined our club. I hope you enjoy many reunion dinners with your 2012 teammates and that the future is kind to you.

**Bloods05** · 3 August 2013, 11:47 PM