Many players go on to have successful and long careers in the AFL, but a portion of players have their careers cut short. Some are star players who just didn't get a good crack to show what they have, or succumbed to the nasty history and role that injuries play in the game.
We take a look at 10 of the most notable names who had their promising careers end prematurely.
Have some other players in mind? Share in the comments below.
10. Max Bailey
Another player who's career was riddled with knee injuries, Max Bailey had poor luck and was able to end his career in the pinnacle.
Drafted by Hawthorn at pick 18 in 2005, Bailey played as a ruck, debuting in Round 18 2006.
He would miss the 2007 season after injuring his right ACL while training. He returned for Box Hill in June 2008, but ruptured the same ACL again in his first game back.
Bailey returned in Round 21, 2009 in a win over Richmond, but the following week against the Bombers, suffered another ACL injury, this time his left, five minutes into the game.
He missed the 2010 season and played most games of 2011. He also missed 12 weeks of 2012 with an injured wrist.
In 2013, Bailey cemented his spot and was part of the Hawks' premiership that year.
At the club's best and fairest, former skipper Sam Mitchell referred to Bailey as "the greatest story of the 2013 premiership". Bailey retired that year after 43 games in eight seasons.
