James Clement profile >>Collingwood vice-captain James Clement has announced his retirement from AFL football after a stellar 230-game career.
Originally from South Fremantle, the 31-year-old will go down as one of Collingwood’s greatest ever defenders, having played 146 games in the black and white after crossing from Fremantle at the end of the 2000 season.
One of the most respected and admired players in the league, he was twice a winner of the EW Copeland Trophy as Collingwood’s best-and-fairest in 2004 and 2005, and in those same seasons was selected to the All-Australian team.
Clement’s ability to perform on big occasions was highlighted when he was named the club’s best finals player in both 2002 and 2006, and he maintained his standing as one of the elite backmen in the competition by winning the RT Rush Trophy as Collingwood’s runner-up best-and-fairest in 2006.
His leadership qualities were also of the highest calibre, having been vice-captain of Collingwood since 2004, and he was one of the key players behind the club’s memorable Grand Final seasons of 2002 and 2003.
“I would like to thank the players, coaches and staff of the Collingwood Football Club for everything they’ve helped me achieve in what has been an immensely enjoyable seven years at Collingwood,” Clement told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“I am extremely grateful for the way I was welcomed to Collingwood after crossing from Fremantle, and for the opportunities given to me to develop my game and get the best out of myself.
“The members, supporters and sponsors have been terrific to me personally and to the club, and I will certainly miss not running out in front of all the fans on match day.”
Clement made the shock announcement on Sunday, when he informed Senior Coach Mick Malthouse of his decision.
“Throughout his career, James was not only a great Collingwood player but a great Collingwood person, and on the field was everything all our players strive for. Strong, courageous, brilliant and fair, it is very sad to be losing one of our club’s best ever backmen,” said Malthouse.
President Eddie McGuire said he was extremely disappointed the club is losing one of its best ever defenders and leaders.
“James Clement epitomised everything Collingwood is about in terms of his work ethic, commitment and leadership, and will no doubt go down as one of the greats of our club.”
THE JAMES CLEMENT FILE
Brownlow Medal
2006 votes 4; career votes 14
Previous AFL club
Fremantle (1996-2000: 84 games, 38 goals)
Draft history
1995 AFL Draft zone selection (Fremantle); 2000 AFL Draft traded by Fremantle to Collingwood for No. 39 (Adam McPhee)
Debut
Round 11, 1996 v Essendon @ MCG
Collingwood debut: Round 3, 2001 v Western Bulldogs @ Telstra Dome
Awards/Honours
Collingwood
EW Copeland Trophy (Best and Fairest) 2004, 2005
RT Rush Trophy (2nd Best and Fairest) 2006 (equal)
JJ Joyce Trophy (3rd Best and Fairest) 2002
Bob Rose Award (best player in finals) 2002, 2006
AFL
2 state of origin games, 3 goals for Western Australia
International Rules Series 2002
All-Australian 2004, 2005
