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Sunset on Hunt's brief Aussie rules career

  • Thursday, August 28 2014 @ 10:25 am ACST
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Oceania
AFL Club Gold Coast Suns foundation player and NZ born rugby/rugby league code-crosser is moving on having made it to play 44 senior AFL matches for the club. After many said he would never make it, Hunt who was paid and used as a promotional tool for the new club did make it as a servicable AFL footballer and more importantly helped to mentor and develop many of the club's very young list of footballers. The following statement from the Gold Coast Suns this morning.
 
Gold Coast SUNS members & supporters will be given the opportunity to celebrate the unique and successful journey of Karmichael Hunt at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.The tri-code pioneer has confirmed he will continue his professional career away from the GC SUNS in 2015.
"It has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and while in 2014 I've had my fair share of injuries, I'm looking forward to saying thank you and farewell to our fans on Sunday at Metricon Stadium," Hunt said. Hunt admitted his decision to prolong his sporting career away from the SUNS in 2015 was a considered and emotional one.
 
"My family and I have been considering my next step as an athlete for some time, and as a result, now is right time for my playing career with the Gold Coast SUNS to come to an end.
"I will be forever grateful to the AFL and Gold Coast SUNS for giving me such an amazing opportunity. I've enjoyed every aspect of it and the game and the SUNS will always be part of mine and my family's life.
 
"There are far too many people to thank for helping me to achieve what I have been able to do in the game, but to the coaches and support staff, my teammates and our ever-growing fan base, I thank you for your direction, guidance and importantly your support.
 
"It has been an amazing challenge and an incredibly fulfilling one, and I wish the Gold Coast SUNS all the very best in the future," Hunt said.
 
Hunt, 27, remains in the mix for senior selection in what would be his 45th and final game for the GC SUNS.
 
Gold Coast SUNS CEO, Travis Auld, praised Hunt's achievement, dedication and role in establishing the Gold Coast Football Club.
 
"Karmichael Hunt's role in establishing us as an AFL club will never be underestimated by those close to our football club.
 
"Karmichael has delivered far more the we could have ever hoped for when we signed him in 2009 and with his assistance and dedication, the Gold Coast SUNS have found a place in the hearts and minds of many Queenslanders."
 
Auld said the Gold Coast would have the chance to celebrate Hunt's achievement on Sunday against the West Coast Eagles at Metricon Stadium.
 
"On Sunday we will not only celebrate Karmichael's contribution and legacy to the Gold Coast SUNS and AFL in Queensland, but on a grander scale, celebrate one of Australian sport's most significant achievements; an athlete who has played at the elite level of three of popular sporting codes in rugby league, rugby union and AFL.
 
"We invite sporting fans across south east Queensland to Metricon Stadium on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Karmichael's achievement and contribution to the Gold Coast SUNS, AFL, rugby league and union and wish him well as he continues his remarkable journey as one of Australian sport's favourite athletes," Auld said.