Wellman today announced he would be retiring from AFL football at the end of this season. He has gone out on his own terms doing the best thing for both himself and the club. It is a measure of the man and how much he cherished Essendon. If he didn’t think he could make a real difference he would not do the wrong thing by the club.
""It is something I have been thinking about for a long time and I think once you are thinking about it you are in a bit of trouble. I just felt I didn’t want to hang in there for another year and you are never going to be successful if you do that,"" Wellman said.
""I wanted to the best thing for the football and myself and hopefully the team can move on and be successful next year. I have had a few injuries this year that haven’t helped but the mental side of things plays a part as well.
""Announcing it has been a little bit easier because I knew it was coming for a while. I told my teammates about half an hour ago and I have been really privileged to have played with these guys and this football club. It was blessing that I got to come to Essendon. When I add it all up I’m really at peace with the decision I have made.
""When you play at Essendon you know you are always a chance and this will be my ninth year and I will have played in four Preliminary Finals in that time. It is always exciting to front up each year when you are playing for Essendon Football Club.""
