After eight seasons with the Lions, Vice-captain Ben Clifton has officially announced his retirement from the VFL.
The 26-year-old shocked the L’Unica Reception Centre at last night’s Jim Sullivan Medal to formally announce is retirement after accepting the Vin Taranto 3rd Place Trophy.
Clifton joined Coburg in 2008 from Seymour, and established himself as one of the best young talents during the alignment with Richmond.
A leadership group member since 2010, it was in Round 6 earlier this year against Williamstown when he notched up 100 VFL games.
He finished 2nd in the Best and Fairest in 2011 and played 112 Games for the Lions, kicking 35 goals, playing mainly off a half-back since the alignment with Richmond was severed.
An leader on and off the field, ‘Clifo’ has left a prominent mark on the Coburg Football Club in his time and the club is far richer for his contribution.