AFL star abruptly retires after refusing to get a Covid jab in line with demands for all players 

Vaccine-sceptic Carlton player Liam Jones has announced his retirement from AFL.

It it understood the defender is giving up a salary of around $1m in leaving the game while still under contract.

The team had been in talks with Jones after he expressed hesitancy about taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

‘I wish to announce my retirement from AFL football effective immediately,’ Jones said in a statement on Sunday.

‘I want to take this opportunity to thank all who have supported me throughout my journey, both personally and professionally. 

‘I love the game and I’ll miss my teammates.

‘I hope that people respect my decision and privacy – neither myself or my management team will be making any further comment on the matter.’

Carlton head of football Brad Lloyd thanks to Jones for his time with the club.

‘We have been in constant dialogue with Liam in recent months and allowing him the time he needed to make an informed decision regarding his playing career,’ Lloyd said.

‘Liam confirmed with us today that he has made the decision to retire, and his wish for the specific reasons of that decision to be kept private – as a club, we will be respecting that.

‘We thank Liam for his seven years of service to the Carlton Football Club, he earned every part of the 161 games he played, which included a complete positional transformation in the middle of his career, that could have only been possible with supreme dedication and hard work.

‘We wish Liam all the best for the next phase of his life,’ said Lloyd.

In a statement posted to Twitter, the Blues said: ‘Liam Jones has today made the decision to announce his retirement. 

‘We wish him all the best and thank him for his time at the club. 

‘The club will now work closely with the AFL regarding options available to replace Jones’ spot on the list for the 2022 season.’