West Coast Eagles Legend Andrew Gaff Announces Retirement
Andrew Gaff, the celebrated West Coast Eagles wingman and dual All-Australian, has announced his decision to retire at the end of the current season. Gaff, who has played 278 senior games, will conclude his career with a farewell match in Round 23.
Drafted at No. 4 in the 2010 AFL Draft, Gaff has been a cornerstone of the Eagles, despite featuring in only three games in 2024. His role this season has been crucial in mentoring younger players, ensuring the future of the club remains bright.
Throughout his career, Gaff has been renowned for his consistency, with only minor fluctuations in performance. He is the club’s all-time leader in disposals, accumulating 7,158, and has been a key player at both Subiaco and Optus Stadium. His career also includes 18 pre-season games, one representative game for Victoria, and one International Rules match against Ireland, bringing his total to 298 AFL games.
Gaff will play against North Melbourne in Hobart this Saturday and is set to have a farewell match against Carlton at Optus Stadium in Round 23. This final game will enable him to achieve AFL life membership, requiring 300 matches. He will retire having played 280 games for West Coast, placing him fourth on the club’s all-time games played list behind Shannon Hurn (333), Jack Darling (295), and Dean Cox (290).
Gaff expressed his gratitude for the relationships he has built at the club and hopes that fans recognize his dedication and effort throughout his career. He reflected on the impact of becoming a father this year, which has provided him with new perspectives and shifted his priorities toward his family.
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General Manager of Football Gavin Bell praised Gaff’s contributions, noting that his impact has been significant both on and off the field. Bell emphasized that Gaff’s legacy will be honored in the coming weeks, with opportunities for fans to celebrate his career in Hobart and Perth. The match against Carlton is anticipated to be a special occasion, with hopes of a full house to bid farewell to one of the club’s great players.
Gaff, who wore the No. 3 guernsey—previously donned by club legends Chris Mainwaring and Chris Judd—has upheld the high standards associated with the number and significantly contributed to the club’s storied history.
