SA Footy

Jai Bednall @ Messenger Community News wrote:Panther skipper hanging up the boots



SOUTH Adelaide captain Jason Torney has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old, who rejoined the Panthers last season after 13 years in the AFL with Richmond and Adelaide, will step down to focus on pursuing a coaching career.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Southern Times Messenger Torney:

- Put his hand up for an assistant coaching position at AFL level next season;

- Nominated Panthers full-forward Ben Warren as his preferred successor as South captain; and,

- Revealed he had played under duress for several weeks during the middle of the season after breaking his ribs in South’s Round Six clash with Glenelg.

Torney said he made the decision to step down after South’s 88-point loss to West Adelaide two weeks ago.

``I just thought it was time to give up playing football and I did something else I suppose. It’s been about 16 years and it’s been pretty full on,’’ he said.

``I still love playing footy, I love playing footy down at South, there’s no problems there.

``But when you come down a level it’s hard to maintain the same passion and commitment for the game.

``We’re looking to rebuild the footy club and personally I only had a couple of years left so I wanted things to happen a little bit quicker, and no doubt our supporters want it to happen a bit quicker, but the club has taken some really big steps forward this season and I believe things will only get better.’’

Torney said he would love to coach in the AFL and was open to moving interstate.

``I’d love to do that I think that’s something I could step in to.

``I think if you’re really serious about it you’d be looking everywhere. But there’s a lot of people out there looking.

``I’ve enjoyed coaching as an assistant under Clay. Coaching was something I’d never really looked seriously at until last year.’’

He said he was open to staying involved at South, where he has served the dual role of skipper and assistant coach for the past two seasons, if an opportunity in the AFL didn’t eventuate.

``It’s up to the guys down there as to the way they go about the coaching positions next season.

``Sambo will work out who he wants along side him. I’m more than happy to stay involved in the footy club. I just want to further develop my coaching next year.’’

Torney has also worked in the media this year, presenting AFL games on television and commentating on radio.

``I’ve done a few different things, I’ve kept involved with the AFL with a bit of TV and a bit of radio. I enjoy the presenting and commentating but once again it’s about opportunity.’’

Torney said Warren had impressed him with his leadership ability this season and would be a good choice to replace him as captain.

``We’ve got a few guys. (Vice-captain) Craig Parry has done a fair bit of that role, Matty Smith is another, but Ben Warren has really developed as a leader this year, he’d be my number one candidate.

``I think Dylan Williams would be an outsider, he’s certainly stepped up this year and could be considered for a leadership role and probably Mitch Sandery, a new guy to the club who has impressed this season.’’

Torney plays his 50th game for the Panthers this weekend against Central District at Elizabeth on Saturday.

He said he was hopeful of finishing off the season strongly.

``I’ve had more injuries this year than I’ve ever had. I broke my ribs in the middle of the year and after I came back from that I felt a bit heavier than normal. It’s only the past two months I’ve got back to full fitness.’’