After calling Essendon Football Club home for more than a decade, Jason Winderlich has decided season 2014 will be his last in the red sash.

The country lad from Gippsland walked into Windy Hill in 2002 and leaves the True Value Solar Centre a respected, talented and extremely loyal teammate.

The 29 year-old announced to the players and coaches he will retire at seasons end.

“I’ve enjoyed every single minute during my time here at Essendon,” Winderlich said.

“To be drafted to the club you supported as a kid was a dream come true. I would have been honoured to play the one game, so to pull on the jumper for twelve years has been an absolute privilege.”

“I’m certainly going to miss the banter around the club and playing alongside a great group of blokes, but I’ve got a young family and I have to think about my long term future and I think it’s fair to say the body probably didn’t have another full pre-season in it.”

Jason was drafted from Gippsland U18, pick number 11 overall, at the 2002 National Draft. He made his debut the following season against Richmond in Round 7.

His lightning pace, defensive pressure and accurate kick for goal saw him carve out a successful career in the Bombers forward line. In his 123 games to date Jason has kicked 78 goals. Over the course of his career ‘Licka’ averages 15 disposals, 5 marks and 3 tackles per game.

Senior coach Mark Thompson led a chorus of praise for the veteran Bomber who has been a regular member of the club’s senior leadership group.

“For ‘Licka’ to carve out a career he did, with all the challenges he faced, really is an incredible achievement,” Thompson said.

“There’s always a sense of excitement whenever Licka has the ball in his hands. He’s a smart player and his blistering speed allowed him to change the momentum of a game.”

“Over the later part of his career he’s been a great leader and mentor for the younger players and he will be missed, there’s no doubt about that.”

Winderlich’s story is one of resilience and determination. A career plagued by serious injuries, ‘Licka’s’ ability to play more than 120 games for Essendon is a remarkable achievement.

“I’ve been through some tough times but those challenges made me the player I am.”

“There was obviously times when I thought my career was going to be cut short but the support of my teammates and people around the club like Doc Reid gave me the focus and encouragement to keep going.”

“This club not only helped me become a better player but over the journey I’ve made some great mates and its opened up a number of doors that will help me after footy.”

Club doctor Bruce Reid argues he’s spent more time with ‘Licka’ than his own children.

“He’s like one of my kids,” Reid said.

“You always develop a really strong bond with the players who spend time in rehab and he’s certainly spent his fair share of time in the rehab group.”

“Licka is a remarkably strong person, he overcame so many obstacles, he had back complications, knee reconstruction and multiple hamstrings and to play over a hundred games, I think, is a great testament to his resilience and determination.”

Jason has prepared himself well for the next phase of his life and is looking forward to devoting himself full time to his recycle timber business.