The Bombers’ vice captain, 28, told media that his body was struggling to cope with the rigours of AFL football and that he made the decision to retire to give a younger player an opportunity at senior level.
“I knew that I required surgery on my ankle because it has never been right since I injured it two years ago and then I would have required nine months rehabilitation on top of that,” Welsh said.
“In the end, I didn’t want to be sitting on the sidelines taking up a spot on the list doing rehab. It was important to me to do the right thing by the club and give a young player a chance.
“I wanted to make the best decision for the footy club I waited until the end of the season to try to take the emotion out of it but after everything this club has given me, I knew it was the right decision.”
Welsh, a favourite among Essendon supporters and team-mates alike, said he will miss the opportunity to be among his Essendon family everyday the most.
“I love the Essendon Football Club and it has been a huge part of my life. It’s going to really hard when the realisation sets in that I won’t be coming into the club everyday,” Welsh said.
“I will miss all the players and the people here at Essendon. There are a lot of good people at the Essendon Football Club and they will be friends for life.”
Welsh said he will now pursue personal business opportunities and is hopeful of securing work within the media.
“I’ll take a few weeks off, get my ankle operated on and then assess what opportunities come my way,” Welsh said.
“I’ve got several business interests but I’m pretty keen to look into some media work and possibly some acting so I’m keeping an open mind at the moment.”
Welsh made his debut in Round 7 2002, playing 162 games and kicking 32 goals after being drafted to the Bombers via selection 47 in the 2001 National AFL draft.
