Retirement
After playing just one more senior game, Houlihan announced his retirement from AFL football at the end of the 2011 season- his 12th- to finish up with 201 games at 29 years of age. Injuries had caused him to miss 41 games. His time had come to step away, he stated. When asked "How would you like to be remembered?": “As a silky and skilful player who did his job for the team.” He started his career when Carlton were enjoying success, became the longest serving player to play through its unsuccessful period of the 2000s and was still there as the club returned to success. Coach Brett Ratten praised him for his loyalty and commitment to the club for 11 years, throughout its dark period and said it had been an honour to coach him. He said he will be remembered for his poise under pressure and smooth skills. In a radio interview after announcing his retirement, Ryan was asked if he felt he had got the most from his talent. He said he believed he had. Houlihan was honoured by the AFL in the 2011 Grand Final pre-match with a lap of honour as a retiring 200 game player.
Read more about this topic: Ryan Houlihan
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