Former Skipper McGough to retire

Former East Fremantle Football Club skipper Mark McGough has announced his retirement from football.  McGough spoke emotionally in front of his East Fremantle teammates and staff before training on Wednesday night, saying that the effort to get his body up week in week out was becoming too difficult.

McGough arrived at East Fremantle during the 2010 pre-season and compiled 105 games in his five and a half seasons. McGough achieved 49 games at two AFL clubs (Collingwood and St Kilda) between the years 2002-2006, where during this period McGough earned himself the 2002 ANZAC Day Medal at the age of just 17 for his 24 disposals in the annual Collingwood vs Essendon clash. After his AFL career, McGough spent two years in Victoria's Northern Football League at the Montmorency Football Club before moving west to commence the 2010 pre-season.

The impact McGough had on the club was felt immediately leading the Sharks in only his second year to their first final appearance for seven seasons. In his three season as captain Mark lead the Sharks to the 2012 WAFL Grand Final and followed this up by leading the club into the 2013 FOXTEL Cup Grand Final in the following season.
Mark was runner-up in the 2012 Lynn Medal, a season where the Sharks reached the Grand Final for the first time since 2000. Mark's consistent performance made him a regular top 5 finisher in the Lynn Medal and was also recognised by finishing fourth in the 2013 Sandover Medal which was won by team-mate Rory O'Brien.

Mark said “Finishing with a win would be a fantastic way to finish my career and really gain some momentum and confidence into the group so that we can reach the finals for a second straight season.”

“Goughy’s” contribution to the East Fremantle Football Club, since coming across from Victoria has been outstanding.  He has always played the game hard and tough, but the character of the man speaks volumes, so on behalf of the East Fremantle Football Club we thank Mark for all you have given the Club and all the very best in retirement.  You’ll be remembered as a Shark for life.

Mark McGough

Born 22/6/1984

TAC Cup: Murray Bushrangers

Drafted in the third round of the 2001 AFL draft to Collingwood, where he played 37 games from 2002-2004.  At age 17, in just his second game of AFL football, McGough won the 2002 ANZAC Day Medal v Essendon at the MCG.

2005 was picked up by St. Kilda where he played 12 games over a two year period

East Fremantle Football Club 2010-2015.  106^th game this weekend.

Captain 2011-2013

2582 disposal at an average of 24.6 possessions per game.  Kicked 37 goals.