Freo Radio: Click here to listen to Matthew's press conference as he announces his retirement.

Club veteran Matthew Carr today announced his retirement from AFL football.

Matthew, 29, played 134 matches for Fremantle between 2001 and 2008 after playing 28 matches for St Kilda between 1999 and 2000.

Fremantle Chief Executive Cameron Schwab said Matthew’s contribution to the club could not be understated.

“Matthew brought tremendous qualities to the Fremantle Football Club when he was recruited from St Kilda in 2001,” he said.

“He is a fierce competitor, superbly loyal and great mentor to many of our younger players.

“It is because of those qualities that we will investigate all opportunities to retain Matthew in a role at the Club.

“It’s too early at this stage say what that will be because he has only recently come to this decision.

“However, the Club will work through the possibilities with Matthew, his manager and the AFL.” 

Matthew began his AFL career with the Saints, where he was taken with their first selection (7th overall) in the 1998 Pre-Season Draft. After two seasons in Melbourne he returned to his native Western Australia and immediately proved a terrific acquisition for Fremantle, leading the club for kicks and marks in his first season and performing a variety of roles.

He continued to display outstanding form for the club and was rewarded with selection in the Australian team for the 2003 International Rules series. That same year he was also named in WA’s State of Origin team.

Injuries restricted him to just 20 games in 2004 and 2005 but he returned in 2006 to play all 22 home and away games and three finals matches and was an important part of Fremantle’s most successful season.

He played 17 matches in 2007 and continued to stamp his authority as one of the club’s most effective shut-down, run with midfielders before injury ended his season after round 20.

Matthew Carr fact file

Player Name: Matthew Carr
Date of Birth: 29/12/1978
Games for FFC: 134
AFL Games Total: 162
Games for other clubs: 28
Finals Games: 4
Goals for FFC: 64
AFL Goals Total: 66
Debut for FFC: 2001
Recruited From: East Fremantle
WAFL Club: East Fremantle
Playing Honours: International Rules Series 2003
                           WA State of Origin team 2003
                           Fremantle Football Club Best Clubman 2004