“The game is tough. It can be punishing and it isn’t always fair.”

General Manager of Football Geoff Walsh accurately portrayed the brutal nature of AFL football when describing the retirement of Ben Sinclair on Monday.

A speedy young player, Sinclair arrived at Collingwood in time to see his new teammates rise to the top of the ladder and win the 2010 Premiership.

While the former Oakleigh Charger didn’t debut in time for a call-up on the biggest stage of all, he eventually found his place in the dominant Magpie outfit a year after.

What followed was 63 AFL games cruelly interrupted by hamstring and concussion injuries. Sinclair often showed exciting flashes of potential. He kicked three goals in round 14, 2012, and then proved it was no fluke – kicking another three and earning a Rising Star nomination the following week.

Unfortunately, injury concerns meant this talented midfielder-turned-backman spent more time in recent years in the weights room and rehab facilities at the Holden Centre than on the MCG with his teammates.

However he did so with a smile on his face, and the perseverance to return to peak physical fitness.

“Ben’s commitment and dedication to working on his body and his football has been unwavering,” coach Nathan Buckley said.

“He will finish up his eight years as a well-respected and much loved player at the club.”

While Sinclair’s career won’t be remembered with individual accolades, his resilience and ability to overcome adversity will no doubt be recalled and referenced by those who undergo similar rehab processes in the years to come.

Take a look back at Sinclair’s eight years in Black and White in the gallery below. All images are courtesy of the team at AFL Photos.



Sinclair trains at Gosch’s Paddock shortly after being drafted to Collingwood with the 62^nd pick in the 2009 National Draft.



A wet and wild start to life in the Black and White stripes.



The calibre of opponents were strong early. Sinclair braces for contact with Adam Goodes (above) and Alex Rance (below).





Few Gatorade showers have been as big as this one. Sinclair joined Darren Jolly for his first Collingwood win in round 19, 2011.



Three goals in front of a packed-out MCG. Sinclair’s first Queens Birthday clash with Melbourne was a memorable one.



The Rising Stars crop of 2012. Note Adam Treloar in the front row – five from the left.



Celebrations with the skipper. Sinclair and Scott Pendlebury in round two, 2013.



Catch him if you can. Sinclair displays his wheels against Sydney.



All smiles at team photo day, 2014.



Rehab made easier with the support of your mates...



…And those on the other side of the fence. Sinclair high-fives fans in round three, 2016.



Another encounter with the medical team. Sinclair was left dazed after another concussion in round 6, 2016.



The road to recovery. Pre-season training alongside Lynden Dunn in November, 2016.



A popular Pie says goodbye. Sinclair shares a laugh with a teammate at training in July.