Dixon hangs up the boots

CHARLIE DIXON has confirmed his retirement after 221 AFL games across the past 14 seasons.

Dixon played his 156th and final game for Port Adelaide in last week’s Preliminary Final, booting a goal from 12 disposals.

With 263 majors since crossing to Alberton and 357 total career goals, Dixon ranks fifth in the club’s all-time AFL goal kicking list.

The 34-year-old started his career as a zone selection with the Gold Coast Suns and can lay claim to being both the Suns’ first player signing and first ever AFL goal kicker.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had so long in a game that has given me a lot of great memories,” Dixon said.

“While there have been a lot of challenges along the way, I feel really grateful to both Port Adelaide and the Gold Coast for the opportunities those clubs have provided and the friendships I’ve made along the way.

“It’ll be hard not coming through those doors and seeing some of my best mates every day but I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

While he grew up in Cairns, the proud Queenslander made the move to Port Adelaide during the 2015 trade period, reuniting with his former Suns’ assistant coach Ken Hinkley at Alberton.

Dixon was three times Port Adelaide’s leading goal kicker (in 2017, 2020 and 2021) and finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest voting in 2017 – a year in which he booted a career-high 49 goals.

In 2020 he was the runner-up in the Coleman Medal as the AFL’s leading goal kicker and earned himself All-Australian honours.

While injuries restricted his number of games in recent seasons, Dixon remained a key forward target.

“I’ve known Charlie since he was a rough and raw teenager with a lot of promise,” coach Ken Hinkley said.

“To see him grow and develop into the footballer, and more importantly the man he is today, gives me a great sense of pride.

“Charlie has always put his body on the line for his teammates, willing himself to every contest – sometimes with a number of opponents hanging off him.

“He’s been so highly regarded at our club for the role he plays in-game in terms of bringing his teammates into the game, and whether he is stepping into the ruck or providing guidance and advice for our young forwards, we can’t be more grateful for the contribution Charlie has made to Port Adelaide.”

Dixon is the second Port Adelaide player to announce their retirement since the end of the season, joining former Gold Coast teammate Trent McKenzie in hanging up the boots.