Essendon utility Mark Baguley has today announced that he will retire at the end of the Bombers’ 2019 campaign.
After eight years and 134 games in the red and black, the veteran has called time on his AFL career.
It was an unconventional pathway to senior football for Baguley, with the part-time plumber and Frankston VFL defender joining the club as a mature-age rookie as a 25-year-old via the 2012 rookie draft.
Beginning his career as a shutdown defender for the Bombers, Baguley then made the move up field, playing a central role in the club’s forward line in recent years.
The 32-year-old thanked the club for the opportunity to play football at the highest level.
“It has been a challenging ride and I’m very thankful for the opportunity and the time that the club, players and coaches have invested in me and my family,” Baguley said.
“I have been reflecting on my career and how bizarre it was that the club took a chance on a plumber from Frankston. I have loved every minute of my time at the Bombers, I had no idea how long my career would last, but I was fully committed to giving it everything I had.
“One thing I felt I never lacked was being competitive and once I finally got my first taste of AFL, I was hooked. It’s an awesome job to be able to come to the club each day and do something that you love. I never took that for granted.
“I feel that the club and playing group is now in a great position going forward and I wish everyone involved all the best for the years ahead.”
Mark Baguley has played 134 games in the red and black since being drafted as a rookie. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Senior coach John Worsfold thanked Baguley for his commitment to the Bombers.
“I would like to thank Mark for his dedication to the club over his eight-year career,” Worsfold said.
“Mark has continuously been committed to the club’s values and has been dedicated to the development of our younger players in recent years. He left no stone unturned throughout his time as a senior footballer, getting the best out of himself on-field week in and week out.
“Mark should be very proud of his football journey and the contribution he made to the Bombers over the past eight years. On behalf of the Essendon Football Club, I wish Mark and wife Jessica all the best for their next chapter.”
