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GWS Giants midfielder and ex-Docker Matt de Boer calls time on 223-game career as concussion symptoms linger

Marc McGowanNCA NewsWire
VideoFormer Fremantle Docker Matt de Boer has retired in an emotional speech to GWS teammates.

Giants interim coach Mark McVeigh has delivered significant praise on the way out for retired midfielder Matt de Boer, saying he left a legacy of trying to be better every day.

De Boer’s career ends at 223 games after playing his first 138 at Fremantle before thriving once Greater Western Sydney threw him a lifeline, with his ongoing concussion issues playing a role in the decision.

The 32-year-old tagger hasn’t played since the Giants’ 49-point defeat of North Melbourne in mid-June after suffering a concussion in a heavy knock in the third quarter that day.

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“With this lingering around for him at the moment; it’s probably just confirmed a few things as well, but certainly it’s been in the works for quite some time,” McVeigh said.

“It was emotional for him today – and the playing group and staff, because he’s a very loved member of our football club and has gotten the best out of himself every day.

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AFL GWS v Hawthorn
Camera IconMatt de Boer was a strong contributor after the Giants took a chance on him following his delisting at Fremantle. Phil Hillyard Credit: News Corp Australia

“He never whinged, never complained, was a great support for players, staff and coaches, and was a genuinely hard worker and really good person who is going places in the future.

“I don’t think it’ll be the last we hear of Matt de Boer. He’s an outstanding character.”

McVeigh said de Boer would need to be “very careful” in his continued recovery from his brain injury but that it was “not uncommon” for concussions to linger.

He is not the only GWS player out with a concussion, with James Peatling the latest after a knock last week against Essendon, while Tim Taranto will miss a second match but is no longer dealing with symptoms.

Taranto, who is yet to re-sign amid serious rival interest in his signature, could return for the Giants’ round 23 clash with Fremantle.

Giants 4.8.22
Camera IconTim Taranto hopes to play in next week’s final round as he prepares to miss a second match with delayed concussion symptoms. Phil Hillyard Credit: News Corp Australia

They will also be without co-captain Toby Greene, who played last week despite breaking a thumb in the warm-up but now joins the likes of Phil Davis, Brent Daniels and Matt Flynn in being out for the rest of the season.

“It’s a hard one for us, because we’ve probably got around 27 players to choose from this week,” McVeigh said.

“We’ve obviously chosen some players to go into surgery who need it so they’re right to go for pre-season, which is the right call. There are some challenges there.

“(But) we can’t use injuries as an excuse. We’ve got a lot of players who have wanted to play in the AFL from VFL level, and they will potentially get their opportunity and they’ll want to go hard.

“I’m really excited about the next two weeks – I really want to win those two games.”

Giants v Bombers
Camera IconGiants interim coach Mark McVeigh celebrates in the rooms last week with Callan Ward after their win over Essendon. Phil Hillyard Credit: News Corp Australia

After getting the desired reaction from his players in a bounce-back win over the Bombers last week, McVeigh said it was important to replicate that effort against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

“I think I’ve been pretty measured with my comments, especially to our players,” he said.

“It hasn’t been a rant and rave – it’s been open and honest – and we’ve discussed it with our leaders.

“So, again this week, the message was, as we arrived Monday: ‘Let’s make sure that we continue to drive high standards, Monday to Friday’.

“It doesn’t guarantee you a win, but we should be looking to have a really strong performance against a really good club.”

Originally published as AFL: GWS Giants midfielder and ex-Docker Matt de Boer calls time on 223-game career as concussion symptoms linger

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