Fremantle fan favourite Sam Switkowksi puts family first with shock retirement call

An emotional Sam Switkowksi has stunned his Fremantle teammates by announcing his retirement on the eve of the AFL finals.

Switkowski, 29, will hang up the boots at the end of the season, hoping to end his career with a premiership.

The fan favourite has played all but one game this year as the Dockers surged to premiership favourites off the back of a brilliant 19-4 season.

Switkowski has only kicked 12 goals, but is a key member of the high-functioning forward line with his elite pressure.

The decision was family driven with he and wife Savannah expecting their first child.

“It’s definitely been something that I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Switkowski said.

“I’ve been weighing up when might be the right time to head back home and reconnect with family and friends because it’s something that’s always been really important to me – even more so now – starting a new family of my own.

“It’s been a tough decision because the journey’s been so incredible. I’ve absolutely loved my time at Freo.

“I’ve hit that point now that I have good clarity on who I am as a person and my values, and the things that are really important to me. It just feels like it’s the right time to move onto the next phase of my life.

“Being around family and friends again to set up Sav, myself and my family in the best place to be the best father and husband I can be.”

It’s understood Fremantle had a contract offer on the table, while rival clubs raised the possibility of recruiting Switkowski as a free agent, but the Docker never entertained it.

“I’ve only ever wanted to play for Fremantle and I’ve felt that way for a long time. I’m really proud of the small contribution I’ve made,” he said.

“I never thought I’d have made it into the AFL, let alone play close to 130 games now and be in the system for almost a decade.

“I’m so grateful for the experience, it’s just been a privilege to be able to do this as a job for so long. I’m incredibly proud for what I’ve achieved and for what the club has been able to achieve and transform into over my journey.