Quinton Narkle: Fremantle Dockers midfielder makes call to retire with immediate effect

Quinton Narkle has called time on his AFL career, with the midfielder addressing his Fremantle teammates on Tuesday morning of his decision to retire with immediate effect.

It comes as the 27-year-old said he was walking away from the game with “no regrets” after carving out a 59-game career across almost a decade at three different clubs.

Narkle made two appearances for the Dockers earlier this year after being picked up in the pre-season supplemental selection period, most recently in the loss to St Kilda in May.

“I’ve been fortunate to play at Geelong, Port Adelaide and Fremantle, and spend time at Richmond and Essendon. All up, five clubs in three states, and every one of them gave me great experiences,” Narkle said.

“I’ve been part of some really strong teams that have enjoyed success, and while at times it was hard missing selection or being on the fringe, I have no regrets.

“I’ve met incredible people at every stop, many who will be lifelong friends.”

The West Australian can reveal Narkle stepped away from the club last week to contemplate his future before deciding on the call to hang up the boots.

Narkle began his career at Geelong after being taken with pick No.60 in the 2016 draft out of Perth.

He played 41 games for the Cats, including eight in Geelong’s 2022 premiership campaign, before being delisted at the end of that year.

He was then recruited by Port Adelaide in the 2023 mid-season draft after solid form in Essendon’s VFL program, playing 16 games for the Power before he was again cut and given a third chance at the Dockers.

Narkle and his young family are set to relocate to the Northern Territory.

“Football gave me so much, but the best thing it gave me was meeting my partner Taylah while I was in Melbourne,” Narkle said.

“Now we’ve got two little girls who are only a year apart, and they’ve changed my perspective on life completely.

“Taylah and I will most likely move to Darwin, where she’s from, and we’d love to raise our girls in a more relaxed lifestyle there.

“I’ve lived in three states, spent time across five clubs, and ticked off goals I’m proud of. Now it feels like the right time to start the next chapter.”