Travis Boak, the esteemed Port Adelaide player, has announced his retirement from the AFL, with his final game set for the end of the current season. The 37-year-old veteran shared this news with his teammates on Tuesday, according to Tom Morris from Nine. Should he take part in the remaining three matches, Boak will conclude his career with a total of 387 games, solidifying his place as the seventh-most prolific player in VFL/AFL history.
Boak’s legacy at Port Adelaide is significant; he captained the team from 2013 to 2018 and is regarded as one of the club’s finest contributors, even though he never claimed a premiership title. Upon his retirement, he will leave behind a record as the club’s all-time games holder.
Throughout his career, Boak was honoured with selections to the All-Australian team in 2013, 2014, and 2020, and he twice received the club’s best and fairest award. He also celebrated victory in the Adelaide Showdown medal on three separate occasions. Earlier this season, he surpassed the legendary Russell Ebert to become Port Adelaide’s games record holder, an achievement Boak reflected on with deep respect for Ebert’s impact on the club. He humbly noted how special it was to reach this milestone, acknowledging Ebert’s significance in the team’s history, stating, “I certainly don’t consider myself up there with the names of Russell Ebert and the greats of this footy club.”
As Boak prepares to hang up his boots, Port Adelaide is also set for a change in coaching staff following the season. Long-time coach Ken Hinkley will pass the baton to Josh Carr, marking a new chapter for the Power.
Boak’s contribution to the team and the sport is undoubtedly profound, ensuring he will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike long after his departure from the game.