Mitch Grigg to retire

NORWOOD superstar Mitch Grigg has officially announced his retirement from SANFL football after a 156-game career across two clubs.

The highly respected and classy Grigg will end his time at The Parade as a Premiership player in 2013 and the deserved winner of two Magarey Medals which he won back-to-back in 2017 and 18.

The 28-year-old played 18 games in his final season of SANFL football, kicking 14 goals and averaging 19.9 disposals.

Grigg told teammates of his decision to retire the week leading into Norwood’s First Semi-Final with South Adelaide.

“Starting a young family, I wanted to spend a bit more time at home as the commitments of SANFL footy are quite demanding,” Grigg said.

“I’ve always loved Norwood and it’s always been a family club for me.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have represented the Club and have been lucky enough to start and end my career here.

“To win a Premiership and have some good team success and a little bit of personal success is something I am proud of.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t get the finish the way I would have liked but that’s life and the silver lining is that I have a beautiful young son to come home to.”

“I’d like to thank my family – I wouldn’t be able to do anything without their support, my beautiful wife Nicole and stemming from that all the support staff, my coaches and lastly all my teammates for making life at Norwood so enjoyable.”

The gun midfielder started at Norwood in 2009 playing for both Norwood and the Crows where he was drafted to West Lakes in 2011.

After a stint at the Crows, Grigg returned to The Parade in 2017 and made an immediate impact to the engine room with his classy ball use and ability to break from stoppage to set up play.

In 2018 Grigg was instrumental in winning not only the Magarey Medal but also the leading goalkicker award, Michael Taylor Medal for Best and Fairest and the Jack Oatey Medal after collecting 31-disposals to go with six goals.

Norwood CEO James Fantasia described Grigg as a leader, despite the many challenges faced in front of him.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Mitch’s contribution to the football club from a young man who played his first League game at 16 years of age,” said Fantasia.

“He then progressed to become a leader of the football club and win two Magarey Medals speaks volumes for what he has achieved.

“A lot of people know this, but Mitch has done this under duress over the last few years with a difficult family situation.

“Yet Mitch has showed a power of strength, not only for his family but also for his teammates.

“He goes with our best wishes and will always be welcomed back as a favourite son of the Norwood Football Club.”

The Norwood Football Club wishes Mitch and his wife Nicole, and their first-born Max, all the best in the next phase of their lives.

Career Statistics:

Guernsey Number: 32, 8
Career: 2009 to 2013; 2017 to 2020
NFC Games: 118
NFC Goals: 110
Debut: v Central District (Norwood) 5th September 2009
Finale: v South Adelaide (Adelaide) 18th September 2021

Premierships: 2013
Michael Taylor Medal: 2018
Magarey Medal: 2017, 2018
Leading Goalkicker: 2018
Jack Oatey Medal: 2018
Advertiser Team of the Year: 2017, 2018
VFL/AFL Clubs: Adelaide