Former Carlton and Gold Coast forward Levi Casboult hasn’t entirely shut the door on his AFL career but admits he felt like it was coming to an end midway through the 2024 season.
The 34-year-old announced his retirement on Monday after 198 matches, including playing 44 games for the Suns in the past three seasons.
When asked on SEN on Tuesday about changing his mind if another AFL club “came knocking”, Casboult replied a little cautiously.
Levi Casboult of the Suns and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs.Credit: AFL Photos
“I’m nervous to answer in case my wife hears this,” Casboult said.
“I’d never say never. That was part of the conversation with the Suns that key forwards don’t grow on trees, especially mature ones that can hold their own.
“I certainly still love playing the game. I’ll still be playing in some capacity next year and I’m looking forward to that.”
Casboult, who debuted in 2012 for the Blues, indicated that Gold Coast had “gone past me” midway through the season.
“Halfway through this year when I’d been stuck playing in the reserves for most of the year, it was more reading the room,” Casboult said.
“I felt like it was time to move on. It looks like the club has gone past me.
“I’m a competitor and I love playing footy so I would probably go until I can’t run anymore, which is probably to my detriment.
“There was a bit of conversation between myself and the club about the potential of going on, but in the end it was in the best interests of both parties to move on.
“There was definitely thoughts midway through the year that this could be it.”