Richmond Tigers legend Dylan Grimes, a key figure in the club’s recent dynasty, announced his retirement from the AFL at age 33, expressing deep gratitude for a career he says he owes to the Tigers. Plagued by a persistent back injury that limited him to just five games this season, Grimes has decided to hang up his boots after 234 career appearances.
Grimes, a triple premiership winner, has battled numerous injuries throughout his career, including significant hamstring issues in his first four seasons. During that time, he managed only 26 games. In his retirement statement on Tuesday, Grimes reflected on the unwavering support Richmond provided him during the difficult stretches of his career.
“The club had plenty of reasons to throw in the towel with me over many years with surgeries, form slumps, or whatever else,” Grimes said. “There is a part of me that has had a chip on my shoulder for my entire career to try and repay the debt I felt like I owed the club.”
Grimes leaves a lasting legacy as one of the most respected defenders in the game, known for his versatility and leadership. He was instrumental in Richmond’s premiership victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier backmen. In 2021, Grimes won Richmond’s club champion award and was named to the All-Australian team in 2019. He also served as co-captain for the Tigers for two seasons and earned the prestigious Francis Bourke Award twice, an honor voted on by teammates to recognize the player who best embodies the club’s values.
Richmond drafted Grimes via the 2010 pre-season draft after he was overlooked in the 2009 national draft, a decision that turned out to be one of the best in the club’s history. Despite the setbacks and injuries, Grimes forged a decorated career and now departs the game with no regrets.
“I will miss the thrill of the contest and the incredible feeling of playing in front of the best fans in the world,” Grimes said. “But I leave with no regrets and just a sense of pride for everything we have achieved together.”
Grimes’ retirement comes after the earlier departure of fellow triple-premiership Tiger, Dustin Martin. With both icons stepping away from the game, Richmond will enter a new era, but their legacy will undoubtedly endure.