The Sydney Swans farewelled premiership defender Marty Mattner in June this year, after a debilitating hip condition forced the popular player into immediate retirement.

Having been subbed out of the Swans’ round seven clash with Hawthorn, Mattner was unable to return to full fitness and announced he would hang up his boots ahead of the Swans’ round 11 match against Adelaide.

Hailing from the tiny South Australian town of Ki Ki, Mattner joined the Swans at the end of the 2007 season after six years at the Adelaide, and retired after 98 matches with the Crows and 124 games in the red and white.

The 31-year-old was known for his on-field courage and determination, which was best exemplified in the dying moments on the 2012 Grand Final when he produced a brilliant chase down tackle on Hawthorn’s Grant Birchall.

Mattner received an outpouring of support from fans via post and social media following his announcement to retire and had the chance to thank them in a lap of honour before the Swans’ clash with Carlton at the SCG in round 14.

He also received high praise from Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh at this year’s Club Champion event, where McVeigh described him as an inspirational player.

“I’ve got absolutely huge respect for you, the way you read the game, how courageous you are and the acts you perform on the field,” he said to Mattner on the night.

“You’re a reason why all our players aspire to be great players and you’ll leave a massive hole in this group.”

Mattner’s involvement with the Swans will continue next year as an assistant midfield coach in 2014.

What they said

“I have been managing injuries for a long time and was hopeful that I could get through the remainder of the season, but my body is now telling me that this is the best option,” Mattner on his retirement decision (06/06/13)

“I think the ultimate underline for his career was the tackle that he laid in last year’s Grand Final in the last minute of the game. It probably typified what Marty is about. He’s able to do the simple things well all the time and he’s an ultimate team man,” John Longmire on Mattner’s career (06/06/13)

“Not being able to play that last game, which I would have loved to have done was tough, but it happened the way it did and it’s nice to be able to do the lap of honour and thank some of the fans in Sydney for the support they have given me,” Mattner following his lap of honour (28/06/13)

Coverage

Marty calls it a day

Mattner announces retirement

Lap of honour for Marty

Beyond the Boundary - Marty's farewell

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