PREMIERSHIP ruckman Rhys Stanley has called time on his AFL career, retiring after 230 games across 18 seasons with St Kilda and Geelong.

Stanley, who played 172 games for the Cats after crossing from the Saints at the end of 2014, finishes as a premiership player and one of Geelong’s most durable and dependable big men of the past decade.

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Taken by St Kilda with pick No.47 in the 2008 draft, Stanley played 58 games in six seasons at the Saints before finding a long-term home at GMHBA Stadium.

Initially recruited as a versatile tall, Stanley became Geelong’s No.1 ruck and was a key part of the Cats' 2022 premiership campaign.

"Thank you to the St Kilda Football Club for giving this lanky country boy an opportunity way back in 2008, and to the Geelong Football Club for helping shape the person I am today," Stanley said.

"There are so many special people at the Cats who have made my family’s and my time in football as enjoyable as it could possibly be. 

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"It’s been a rollercoaster, but gee it’s been fun. Memories and friendships that will be with me forever."

Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie said Stanley would leave a significant mark on the club.

"Rhys has been an important part of our club over the last 12 seasons and we congratulate him on his fantastic career," Mackie said.

Rhys Stanley ahead of the VFL Preliminary Final between Geelong and Port Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on September 13, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

"Very few players establish themselves at a new club as successfully as Rhys did. He has been a consistent part of our side for the best part of a decade and, within that, has been a dependable contributor who adapted to whatever role the team required of him.

"Rhys departs the club as a premiership player, a highly respected and well-liked teammate, and someone who has played an important role in supporting the development of our emerging rucks in recent seasons. It is a reflection of the person and teammate he has been throughout his time at Geelong.

"We thank Rhys for everything he has given to the club, and we wish Rhys, Kirsten, Jagger, Sloane and Hudson all the best for the future. They will always be welcome at Geelong."