After fifteen years at the Sydney Swans, Michael O’Loughlin has today announced he will retire at the end of this season.
The man nicknamed ‘Magic’ was selected in the third round of the 1994 AFL Draft (number 40 overall) and after making his debut in round five, 1995, managed to play 12 games and earned a Rising Star nomination.
That really was just the beginning.
As a second year player, he played in the grand final against North Melbourne in 1996; the sole remaining player from that team in the current side.
In 1998, O’Loughlin was named Sydney Swans Best and Fairest, was runner up in 2000 as well as the leading goalkicker in 2000 and 2001.
The player who has made the number 19 guernsey his own was selected in the All Australian team in 1997 and 2000. He also represented his state on two occasions and won the Fos Williams Medal for best South Australian player in 1998.
In 2005 he was selected alongside Adam Goodes in the Indigenous Team of the Century, something that stands out amongst his achievements for him personally. That same year he also put a Premiership medallion around his neck.
The 32 year-old played alongside Tony Lockett, Paul Roos, Paul Kelly, Stuart Maxfield, Paul Williams, Adam Goodes and Brett Kirk, and stood out.
O’Loughlin holds the Club record for the most games (293*) and, with 505* goals, is second only to Bob Pratt (681). He also has a chance to be the first Sydney Swans / South Melbourne player to achieve the 300 games milestone, with seven more games required to reach that milestone.
The loyal Swan has toiled with his decision since pre-season.
“I knew in the back of my mind in pre-season, when I was coming back from my ankle operation and started running, that it was going to be tough to go on next year,” O’Loughlin said, “I probably knew then that this was going to be my last year.
“It is hard to admit to people that you have lost a step or two and it is even harder when you can’t do the things you were always able to do that just came naturally. I think that is called old age.
“Even though people would say ‘you look sharp and you look good’, deep down I knew I was struggling. It has taken its toll on my body. I am very honest with myself about how I am going and I would rather go out and not battle away.
“Making this decision feels like a weight is now lifted off my shoulders and I can enjoy the rest of the season.
“The hardest part was talking to my coach and friend Paul Roos, who for fifteen years has been there right when I needed him, as well as the players, in particular the older blokes who I have shared the good and bad times with over the many years.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank a number of my other coaches. To Rodney Eade, who taught me what it was to be a professional. Ron Barassi, who I didn’t say too much to because I was in awe of, and basically just too scared to say anything to. Dennis Carroll was a reserves coach, I was lucky enough to not play too many in the reserves, but he was fantastic to me, so thanks to him. To all the assistants over the years, who have had a part in my and the team’s success I thank them.
“There are numerous other people I want to thank which I will do at the end of the year at our awards night, and I hope I can do it face to face.
“After fifteen years, going from a kid who came from Salisbury, North Adelaide, not knowing what the future had in store for him, to falling in love with the Club and the city - it has been an honour to play for this outstanding Club and the hardest thing I have had to ever do in my life is to say goodbye.
“I am looking forward to the future, and to spending time with my young family and continuing my work with the Indigenous communities that I am already associated with.”
Coach Paul Roos can’t speak more highly of O’Loughlin; for what he has achieved and what he means to the Sydney Swans Football Club.
“Mick’s football record speaks for itself as he has won every possible award available to an individual player except for a Brownlow, but I am sure Goodesy will give him one of his,” coach Paul Roos said.
“I had the pleasure of playing with Mick when he first arrived at the Club and have seen his 15-year journey first-hand as both teammate and coach.
“He truly will go down as one of the great players in the history of this football Club and the day that he plays his 300th game will further cement his legacy at the Sydney Swans.
“Mick will be remembered not only as a great player, but to all those who have come in contact with him he will firstly be remembered as a great person. He has the ability to make those around him feel better no matter what the circumstances were; he always has a smile on his face.
“A favourite story I have of Mick was when Tami and I asked him into our house to babysit our kids in his second year at the Club. Mick and teammates Matthew Nicks and Simon Arnott claimed to have done an outstanding job when we returned home. After paying a substantial babysitting fee we sent them on their way. On entering Dylan’s (my son’s) room, he was fast asleep by this stage, we realised he had stolen a block of chocolate from the fridge because he had the evidence all over his face. So when Mick asks for Dylan to babysit Taya and James (Mick’s children), I will be sending him around with the biggest block of chocolate I can find!
“Mick, you are a special person with a special place in everyone’s heart. Thank you for the memories.”
Michael O’Loughlin
Guernsey number: 19
DOB: 20/02/1977
Debut: Round 5, 1995
Games (to date): 293
Goals (to date): 505
