Thank you Gears: Veteran Saint mentions time in 16 year career

Saint veteran and fearless leader Jarryn Geary has ended his career, effective immediately, after 16 seasons in red, white and black.

Chosen by one of the last picks of the 2006 Rookie Draft, the Eaglehawk recruit challenged the odds through his dedication and uncompromising work ethic to become one of the club’s most selfless and respected players of the modern era.

Geary played 207 games for St Kilda after making his debut in 2008, assuming the captaincy role of the club’s longest-serving leader, Nick Riewoldtin 2017.

No. 14 in charge of St Kilda for five seasons – one of them as co-captain Jack Steele – during his nine-year tenure in the club leadership group, finishing with two podiums at the Trevor Barker Award (2016, 2017) and two Best Clubman awards (2016, 2019) in that time.

The 34-year-old has struggled through significant injuries over the past two years, with an ongoing shoulder problem in 2022 requiring a full reconstruction in the coming weeks.

Geary ended his career as a Life Member of St Kilda Football Club and was one of only 31 players to reach the 200-game milestone in Saints colours.

Jarryn Geary was pulled off the field after his 200th game. Photo: AFL’s photo.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without Gears’ leadership, honesty and courage, and on behalf of the club I want to thank him for all he has done for St Kilda,” Senior Coach Brett Ratten said.

“It’s always sad when one of your great warriors calls time, but you can’t help but feel proud for all that Jarryn has accomplished and done for this football club.

“He never backed down or gave up, he always fought hard and risked his life for his team-mates, and his courage was rivaled by very few.

“Above all, Jarryn is very loyal, both to his football club and to those around him.

“He led the club through challenging times and encouraged those around him to develop and bring consistently high standards.

As a leader, Jarryn has influenced so many people around him over the years. From the players, to the football department and wider staff, we are indebted to him for everything he has poured into this club.

– Brett Ratten

“Jarryn has the highest recognition in football: he has the respect of the whole club for the way he has behaved throughout his career.”

Chief Operating Officer Simon Letlean thank Geary for his service and contribution to the Saints.

“Gears hangs up boots as one of the most influential and dedicated players to represent red, white and black,” he said.

“As a long-serving captain and leader, Jarryn has truly put the progress of this club first and has been unwavering in that mission for more than a decade.

“Our next leader crop, that is Jack Steele, Douglas Howard, Callum Wilkie and Team Memberall of them have benefited significantly from Gears’ input, and you can see some of those elements in all of them as a result of their commitment.

“Gears has now passed the torch, and it is now up to us to continue his relentless work and loyalty to the ultimate success he has pushed for all of us.

“To Jarryn, his wife Emma and children Harriet and Freddie, you will always be a part of the St Kilda family.”

Fearless, brave, loyal. Jarryn Geary officially calls the time after 16 seasons in red, white and black. Photo: AFL’s photo.

The former captain thanked the club and its members for their support throughout his 16 season career.

“I loved the trip I did at Saints and it was something I cherished for more than 15 years of my life,” Geary said.

“I couldn’t have dreamed that when John Beveridge picked me from Eaglehawk Football Club in pick 58 in the rookie draft, I would have ended up playing for so long and captaining this club.

“I want to thank my entire family for their support, especially my beautiful wife and our two children Harriet and Freddie. Thank you for sticking with me and supporting me through the years, I couldn’t have done it without you.

“Thanks to Ratts, Matt Finnis, Simon Lethlean and the board for standing by my side and supporting my leadership. I have learned a lot from all of you, as well as my past coaches.

To our fans and members, thank you for always being there. I wish we could bring you more success, you certainly deserve it.

– Jarryn Geary

“To the players and all the players I’ve played with over the years, you all have made this club so special to me.

“Continuing to build trust in each other, that’s the challenge. I know you’ll make it sooner rather than later if you keep digging and hopefully you can keep climbing and give yourself a chance to play in September.

Geary will continue to be involved in The Saints’ football program for the remainder of the season in an unofficial capacity. The club will get to know Geary in the right way in front of the home crowd in the next few weeks.

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