The Western Bulldogs today confirmed the retirement of veteran defenders Lindsay Gilbee and Ryan Hargrave at season’s end. 

Recruited in 1999 with picks 43 and 66, both Gilbee and Hargrave have donned the red, white and blue on 206 and 203 occasions respectively. 

Watch Ryan Hargrave speak to BulldogsTV earlier this year, reflecting on reaching his 200 games milestone. 

General Manager of Football, James Fantasia, was full of praise for Gilbee and Hargrave and their contribution to the Club, in careers that spanned 13 years. 

“You’re a special player when you’ve played and contributed to a football club the way both Ryan and Lindsay have. 

“Both are terrific people who are extremely well-regarded and admired by their peers and staff at our Club. 

“We congratulate the pair on what have been outstanding AFL careers,” Fantasia said. 

Known for his precise foot skills and sharp decision making, Gilbee earned All-Australian honours in 2006 as well as representing Australia in the International Rules Series in 2005 and 2006. 

Hargrave gained a reputation as being one of the league’s premier versatile defenders in his 203 game career.

The 31-year-old was recruited from Perth and was an All-Australian nominee in 2009.