121-gamer across three clubs, Hugh Greenwood has announced his retirement from the AFL.
He becomes the latest of a number of veterans opting to hang up the boots, but this decision ends a more unique career than most.
Taking up an AFL playing career at the ripe age of 23, Greenwood underwent the rare experience of professional code-hopping, transitioning from a brief stint with National Basketball League franchise Perth Wildcats to join the Adelaide Crows in 2015.
His pro basketball stint came after a standout junior campaign with the Australian Boomers program as a 17-year-old in 2009, a college campaign for the University of New Mexico in 2011, before a pre-draft workout invite from NBA franchise Utah Jazz in 2015.
His growth in the professional system was enough to secure him a roster spot with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL, with initial plans to get comfortable under the three-year contract signed in Winter of 2015.
Throughout the latter stages of this process, Greenwood had been approached a number of AFL sides, seemingly recognising a tenacity suited to a more physical game than basketball.
With hopes of an NBA contract dwindling, his passion for the sport took a hit, and the call was made to retire from the code with the intention of taking his talents to Australia's game.
The Adelaide Crows picked up the 23-year-old with a two-year category B rookie contract in September of 2015, with Greenwood ready to return following an eight-year absence from competitive Aussie Rules.
In May of 2017, Greenwood exploded onto the AFL scene with a memorable debut win, kicking three goals in the first half and laying nine tackles en route to a 140-60 trouncing over Brisbane.
He became a mainstay midfielder soon after, renowned for his contested hunt and prolific tackling, and featuring in Adelaide's Grand Final loss to Richmond to finish off his debut campaign.
Traded to the Gold Coast Suns at the end of 2019, Greenwood grew into the highest volume tackler in the competition, leading the league average through 2020 and 2021, though unfortunately suffering an ACL injury in July of 2021.
In a strategic list move, the Suns delisted the 29-year-old with the intention of re-drafting him over the off-season as a rookie, before North Melbourne shockingly swooped in to recruit Greenwood with a two-year deal.
He would proceed to play a further 38 games as a Shinboner, gradually falling out of favour under Alastair Clarkson and his young mob on the rise.
He has played a role in building up the young crop of talent at Arden Street, but has now called time on an impressive, unique, multi-sport playing career.
