Heady Hangs Up The Boots

Dustin Head has announced his retirement at training on Wednesday night after 11 years at West Adelaide.

Dustin made his league debut on August 26^th 2017 and played a total of 9 league games.

In season 2009 Dustin was discussed as a possible draftee into the AFL system before he suffered a knee injury which required a reconstruction.

After recovering, he then suffered the same injury the following year to the same knee and had his second reconstruction.

Dustin worked hard to recover and in 2012 made the trip to Perth for the match against Claremont in the Foxtel Cup, when in the first 5 minutes he suffered another knee injury, this time to his right knee which needed a reconstruction.

Dustin played some reserves football in 2015, but continued to be hampered by injury. He missed all of 2016 and made his return in the reserves against Glenelg in 2017 before making his league debut later that year.

2019 has been tough for Dustin as he has had syndesmosis and a reconstruction on his ankle which has left him sidelined all year.

When speaking to the players Dustin said, “I thought it was time to give it up after 20 operations. My heart was still in love with footy and playing at Westies, but my body wouldn’t allow me to”

“The club has been another home for me and I can’t thank them enough over the past 11 years”

“The club has definitely helped make me into the person I am today”

“I want to thank Westies for allowing me to keep on trying after every operation. I feel lucky to be able to have played 9 league games after what I have been through and definitely will never forget them.”

It’s not just the 100 plus gamers that make an impact on the club. Every club needs players like Dustin, who epitomise determination and resilience. We wish him all the best in the future and know he will still be part of the club in some capacity.