Medhurst walks away from Magpies

On a day of drama at Collingwood, the Magpies have been further rocked by the AFL
retirement of forward Paul Medhurst.
Medhurst's manager Colin Young revealed the news on Monday just hours after it had
emerged that two Collingwood players were being questioned by Victoria Police over
an alleged sexual assault.
"Paul contacted me this (Monday) morning to advise me that he was going to retire
today," Young told sportsnewsfirst.com.au.
"He was actually on his way to meet with club officials when we spoke.
"I was more disappointed for Paul than shocked as I thought Paul was in the club's
best 22 and he could at least play for another two years.
"I did try to convince Paul to play on.
"But I totally respect Paul's decision, as he thought his time was up and he made
the move accordingly."
Medhurst, an All-Australian forward in 2008, is expected to be joined in retirement
by 30-year-old Tarkyn Lockyer, who was also overlooked for selection in
Collingwood's premiership win over St Kilda on Saturday.
Forgotten ruckman Josh Fraser will play on but is set to seek a new home after
limited opportunities this season, while defender Simon Prestigiacomo is still
weighing up whether to retire or play on for one more season.
Forward John Anthony could be put on the draft table after a disappointing year.
Medhurst, who turns 29 in December, played just 10 games this year, making only one
appearance after round 12.
The enigmatic forward played 99 games for Fremantle over five seasons before
crossing to the Magpies at the end of 2006.
His finest year came in 2008 when he booted 50 goals and finished runner-up to Dane
Swan in the club's best and fairest award.
"At a meeting I had with Paul last November he was very confident that Collingwood
would win the 2010 flag and that he said he would discuss future contracts with me
once the grand final was over," Young said.
"Paul wanted to focus on his training last week so we had a light discussions after
the team was selected last Thursday and he was overlooked and the rest is now
history."