Charlie Dixon Announces Retirement After 14 Seasons in AFL

Charlie Dixon, a revered forward in the Australian Football League (AFL), has announced his retirement after a distinguished career spanning 14 seasons. The 34-year-old concluded his professional journey with Port Adelaide, where he played his 221st and final game during the recent Preliminary Final, managing to score a goal from 12 disposals.

Dixon started his AFL journey as a zone selection with the Gold Coast Suns, where he also etched his name in history as the first player signing and the first-ever goal kicker for the team. He played 65 games for Gold Coast, scoring 94 goals before moving to Port Adelaide in 2015.

During his tenure at Port Adelaide, Dixon scored 263 goals across 156 games, positioning him fifth on the club’s all-time AFL goal-kicking list. Notably, he received the honor of being named an All-Australian in 2020 and was Port Adelaide’s leading goal kicker in the years 2017, 2020, and 2021.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had so long in a game that has given me a lot of great memories,” Dixon expressed in a statement. “While there have been a lot of challenges, I feel really grateful to both Port Adelaide and the Gold Coast for the opportunities and friendships I’ve made along the way.”

Port Adelaide’s coach, Ken Hinkley, who has known Dixon since his early days, praised his growth and contribution to the team. “To see him grow and develop into the footballer, and more importantly the man he is today, gives me a great sense of pride,” said Hinkley. “Charlie has always put his body on the line for his teammates, willing himself to every contest.”

Dixon’s retirement follows closely on the heels of fellow player Trent McKenzie‘s decision to hang up his boots. The duo, both former Gold Coast teammates, mark the end of an era as they transition out of professional AFL.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide faces uncertainty as key players, including Dan Houston and Ivan Soldo, have expressed desires to be traded back home to Victoria. Houston, under contract until 2027, and Soldo, until 2026, are yet to finalize their future club commitments.

The future of Port Adelaide’s coach, Ken Hinkley, is also under scrutiny following the club’s failure to secure a spot in the Grand Final.