Essendon midfielder, Scott Camporeale, today joined James Hird and Chris Heffernan in announcing his retirement.
 
Camporeale, 32, made his AFL debut for Carlton in 1995 (pick 15 in 1994 AFL Draft) and made his Essendon debut in 2006.

A highly skilled player, Scott played 252 games including 19 with the Bombers. He showed his ability in Round 20 this year, against his old club Carlton, collecting 35 disposals until an injury the following week cut short his season and ultimately his career.

He won an premiership with Carlton in 1995, was Carlton Best and Fairest (equal) and an All-Australian in 2000, played in the 1998 and 1999 International Rules Series and represented South Australia in the State of Origin.

Camporeale, who also met with Knights before finalising his decision, said that having a knee reconstruction at 32 and missing the next 12 months of football swayed the decision to retire.

""I really enjoyed the move across to Essendon and I was made to feel welcome despite coming from Carlton, a traditional rival. I fitted in really easily with the boys and they, along with the coaches, made it easy to get used to the place,"" Camporeale said.

""Injuries have made the past two years a little disappointing because when you come to a new club you want to repay the faith and having averaged 21 games before I got here and to play just 19 games in two years was disappointing.

""The highlights of my career were playing my first game, which is something you always remember, and the premiership in my first year was special. Being best and fairest and All-Australian in the same year was a big thrill as was representing my State.

""I want to thank supporters from Carlton and Essendon for supporting me over my career, the four coaches I played under and also my family for their support over the last 13 years.""

Matthew Knights said he had a lot of respect for Camporeale having played against him and coached him.

""He has been a real warrior for many years and he still suits the modern game because he has superb skills and his ability to break the lines,"" Knights said.

""It's very disappointing for him to go down with a knee injury because he is the sort of player that would make a quality rotation off the bench.

""I enjoyed coaching him this year for Bendigo because is smart, very creative and excellent around stoppages.""