News

From The Mercury
Reported by Adam Smith

RUGGED Devils defender Ben Careless will bring to an end his 88-game VFL career when he runs out for his state for the final time on Saturday.

Having been with the club since its inception in 2001 -- including a year off in 2005 with injury -- the wear and tear of the game has finally caught up with the 31-year-old.

Increasing work commitments with the Hobart City Council and a young family also contributed to the decision.

Careless told the playing group of his retirement after training on Monday night and will follow in the footsteps of fellow Glenorchy premiership player and good mate Ben Atkin, who retired after the final round last season.

The only difference will be Careless will hang up the boots for good, despite the option of returning to the local league.

 "I've been thinking about it for a while, from about mid-season just in regards to the time factor, you're not at home with the family and it takes its toll," Careless said.

"This will be it, it's time to get home. To play with Glenorchy isn't as big a commitment, but still the time needed is there."

Careless will finish with a glittering resume, including a Statewide premiership with the Magpies in 1999 and experiencing finals football with the Devils.

Despite the struggles the Devils have had on the field this season, Careless said the passion was still there, but it was simply knowing the time has come to step aside. And though he has no major regrets on a career that began as a 16-year-old schoolboy in 1992, there are certain things he may have done differently if he could have his time over again.

"When things don't work out you can put them down as a regret I suppose," Careless said.

"I got drafted by Richmond in 1992, but didn't go over until the pre-season of 1994 -- I spent the year back in Glenorchy.

"Probably in hindsight it might have been an idea to go straight away, but I opted to stay in Tasmania and they Richmond kept me on list, which was pretty amazing."

The Devils tackle Williamstown at Bellerive, starting at 2pm.