"Fearless" Gold Coast forward makes call on future

“In football, you come across many impressive people, and Levi sits comfortably in that realm.”

WRITER | October 7, 2024 - 5:28pm

2031

Veteran Gold Coast forward Levi Casboult has decided to hang up the boots after 198 games and 15 years in the AFL.

Casboult began his career at Carlton, taken with Pick 44 in the 2009 Rookie Draft and defied all odds to carve out a successful period at the Blues.

Debuting in 2012, the Dandenong Stingrays product was a consistent feature in the Blues line-up, taking the mantle as the club's no.1 forward before the likes of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow.

Stunted by multiple injuries, lack of form and opportunities, Casboult opted to continue his career up on the Gold Coast, with the Suns selecting the tall in the Rookie Draft with Pick 3.

The 201cm forward impressed in his first year at the Queensland club, slotting 35 goals (career-best) before adding another 24 in 2023.

However, with the inclusion of Jed Walter, Ethan Read, Mac Andrew and Ben King in the forward line, the writing was on the wall for Casboult.

He featured in three games this year and has called time on his career.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Levi Casboult of the Suns and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Bulldogs in action during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium on May 27, 2023 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“It's been a long time coming. I can look back and say I got the most out of myself, and I left no stone unturned over 15 years,” Casboult said.

“I have met so many incredible people, and I will always be grateful for everything my career has given me.

“My greatest achievement is my family, and I think that coincides with when I started playing my best footy, it gave me such a good perspective on life and a greater purpose.

“I'm now looking forward to weekends with the family, caravanning together, watching kids' sport, supporting Hayley as she chases her dreams, and embracing my favourite role yet - just being Dad.”

Gold Coast GM of Football Performance Wayne Campbell thanked Casboult for his contribution to the football club.

“Levi has compiled an incredible AFL career for both the Gold Coast SUNS and Carlton, and we congratulate him on everything he has achieved in the game,” Campbell said.

“In football, you come across many impressive people, and Levi sits comfortably in that realm. He has made our club better, and we are forever grateful for having him at the SUNS.”

“Levi's fearless attitude, competitiveness and team-first approach will be how he is remembered at the SUNS, and we wish Levi, Hayley, Lonnie, Arlo, Goldie and Mimi all the best for the future.”