After 268 games, Heath Scotland has announced that he will retire at the end of the season. Having been a champion player for both Collingwood and Carlton, the announcement was met with a wave of tributes from current and former teammates who took to social media to congratulate Scotland on his career.

“It’s been a really tough decision, but I’ve had a lot of work done on my ankle and it’s just getting worse and worse,” Scotland said.

“I know the time is right for me now, because I just can’t physically get up to the standard required – my body won’t enable me to do that.

“For me, from the moment I knew about football, I’ve invested everything mentally and emotionally – I love the game. The reality that my career has finished is hard to fathom.

“I hope my teammates, our club and Carlton fans will remember me as a player who left everything out there. I’m going to miss it but I’m also excited about the future, whatever it may hold.”

https://storify.com/AFLPlayers/players-pay-tribute-to-scotto