Veteran Saint and fearless leader Jarryn Geary has called time on his career, effective immediately, after 16 seasons in the red, white and black.

Selected with one of the last picks of the 2006 Rookie Draft, the Eaglehawk recruit defied the odds through his uncompromising dedication and work ethic to become one of the club’s most selfless and respected players of the modern era.

Geary played 207 games for St Kilda after making his debut in 2008, assuming the role of captain from the club’s longest-serving leader, Nick Riewoldt, in 2017.

The No. 14 led St Kilda for five seasons – one of which was as co-captain alongside Jack Steele – across his nine-year tenure in the club’s leadership group, finishing with two podium finishes at the Trevor Barker Award (2016, 2017) and dual Best Clubman honours (2016, 2019) in that time.

The 34-year-old has battled through significant injury over the past two years, with an ongoing shoulder issue in 2022 requiring a full reconstruction in the coming weeks.

Geary concludes his career as a Life Member of St Kilda Football Club and one of just 31 players to reach the 200-game milestone in Saints colours.

“We would not be in the position we are today without Gears’ leadership, honesty and courage, and on behalf of the club, I would like to thank him for all he has done for St Kilda,” Senior Coach Brett Ratten said.

“It’s always sad when one of your great warriors calls time, but you can’t help but feel immense pride for everything Jarryn has achieved and done for this football club.

“He's never backed down or thrown in the towel, he's always fought hard and put his body on the line for his teammates, and his bravery is rivalled by very few.

“Above all, Jarryn is fiercely loyal, both to his football club and those around him.

“He’s led the club through some challenging times and pushed those around him to improve and bring a high standard consistently.

“Jarryn has the ultimate recognition in football: he has the entire club’s respect for the way he has conducted himself throughout his career."

Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean thanked Geary for his service and contribution to the Saints.

“Gears hangs up the boots as one of the most influential and dedicated players to represent the red, white and black,” he said.

“As a long-serving captain and leader, Jarryn really put the betterment of this club first and has been unflinching in that mission for the better part of a decade. 

“Our next crop of leaders, namely Jack Steele, Dougal Howard, Callum Wilkie and Tim Membrey, have all benefitted significantly from Gears’ input, and you can see a number of those elements within all of them as a result of his commitment.

“Gears has now passed on the torch, and it is now up to us to continue his relentless work and loyalty to the ultimate success he pushed us all towards.

“To Jarryn, his wife Emma and children Harriet and Freddie, you will always be a part of the St Kilda family.”

The former captain thanked the club and its members for the support throughout his 16-season career.

“I’ve loved the journey I’ve had at the Saints and it’s been something I’ve cherished for over 15 years of my life," Geary said.

“I couldn’t have dreamed that when John Beveridge picked me out of Eaglehawk Football Club at pick 58 in the rookie draft that I would have ended up playing for so long and being captain of this club.

“I want to thank my entire family for their support, but particularly my beautiful wife and our two children Harriet and Freddie. Thank you for sticking by me and supporting me over the years, I couldn’t have done it without you.

“Thank you to Ratts, Matt Finnis, Simon Lethlean and the board for standing by me and backing in my leadership. I’ve learnt a lot from all of you, as well as my past coaches.

“To the boys and all the players I’ve played with over the years, you’ve all made this club so special to me.

“Keep building your trust with one another, that’s the challenge. I know you’re going to succeed sooner rather than later if you keep digging in and hopefully you can continue to climb and give yourselves the opportunity to play in September.

Geary will continue to be involved in the Saints’ football program for the rest of the season in an unofficial capacity. The club will recognise Geary in an appropriate way before a home crowd in the weeks ahead.