Croad has not played since the 2008 grand final, when he broke his foot in the second quarter in the win over Geelong.
Hawthorn players reported back to pre-season training at Waverley Park on Wednesday where Croad shared the news with his teammates, a decision which had taken him considerable time to reach.
“This has been the most difficult decision of my life,” said Croad.
“Although, I know now that my foot is just not able to meet the demanding rigors to play top-level football anymore, coming to the decision to step away from the sport that I love, a Club that has been my second home and a game which has given me so much is really hard.”
“I have done everything within my power to try and play AFL football again, but following some time away with my family over Christmas, and further medical advice from my surgeon, I realise that it is my time to retire.”
“It has been an honour to play for the Hawthorn Football Club and to win a premiership with this great club. I want to thank all my teammates, the football and admin staff and all our members for their support.”
Hawks President Jeff Kennett had great praise for the retiring premiership defender.
“Today we say goodbye to a warrior who has served this Club exceptionally well,” said Kennett.
“We are terribly disappointed that this decision has had to be made but it has had to for the long term interests of his own welfare. Trent will stay involved with the Club as a friend and supporter and we look forward to seeing his career develop in any way in which he may choose.”
Croad retires having won All-Australian honours in 2005 and was selected in International Rules Series to play in 1999, 2000, and 2005. But for Croad his greatest honour was to be part of the 2008 Hawthorn premiership team.
Croad joined the Hawks as first round selection (no. 3 overall) in the 1997 National Draft, and debuted in his first season, kicking 84 goals from 79 games in his first four seasons with the Club. He was then lured to Fremantle as part of a trade which saw then-number one draft pick Luke Hodge and current captain Sam Mitchell join the Hawks.
Croad, who had played most of his early AFL football as a key forward, was then traded back to the Hawks in 2004 and went about establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the AFL.
Trent Croad Statistics
Clubs: Hawthorn (1998-2001: 84 games, 79 goals); Fremantle (2002-03: 38 games, 61 goals); Hawthorn (2004-2010: 100 games, 49 goals )
Debut: AFL 1998
Recruited from: Narre Warren/Dandenong U18/Fremantle
Draft history: 1997 National AFL Draft 1st round selection (Hawthorn) No. 3 overall; 2001 National AFL Draft traded by Hawthorn for No. 1 (Luke Hodge), No. 20 (Daniel Elstone) and No. 36 (Sam Mitchell); 2003 NAB AFL Draft traded by Fremantle for No. 10 (Ryley Dunn).
AFL Awards: All-Australian 2005; International Rules Series 1999, 2000, 2005; AFL Rising Star nominee 1998; Hawthorn premiership side 2008; Hawthorn pre-season premiership side 1999
Club Awards: 2nd best and fairest 2004; Fremantle leading goalkicker 2002
Brownlow Votes: 25
