Katanning star Haiden Schloithe calls time on a glittering 200-game career with South Fremantle in the WAFL

South Fremantle Football Club great and Katanning star Haiden Schloithe has officially announced his retirement from the WAFL, drawing the curtain on a spectacular 200-game career at the Bulldogs. Schloithe broke the news after the Bulldogs’ heart-breaking nine-point elimination final defeat to Peel Thunder in the first week of the WAFL finals. On top of playing 200 games for the Bulldogs, Schloithe is a four-time W.J Hughes medallist as the league best-and-fairest winner at the club while also winning the WAFL’s highest individual honour the Sandover Medal in 2017. Schloithe became a league premiership player in 2020 after his side’s memorable grand final triumph over Claremont and finished as a Bulldogs life member after an outstanding career in the WAFL. The Katanning-raised Schloithe had 27 disposals, six tackles and five inside 50s in the season-ending 8.13 (61) to 10.10 (70) loss. The 29-year old said he was grateful for the opportunity to forge a career with the historic club. “Having been retired for a few days and getting the chance to sit back and reflect it’s a huge honour and something I’ll cherish forever to play 200 games for SFFC,” he said. “I will be forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to play at the level and live out a childhood dream. “The people and club have pretty much been my life and family for 10-plus years and what they mean to me, I cannot put into words. “I love the club and it will always hold a special place in my heart and footy career.” Despite Schloithe calling time on his playing career, the classy midfielder remains eager to continue his involvement with his beloved Bulldogs in the near future. “I’ll still be coming down to watch and support the club as much as I can and going forward maybe in a few years I’ll look to get back involved in some capacity with coaching,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to play with some incredible players over the years, there is too many to name. “The blokes that shared in my 200 games, and the 2020 flag will be ones I remember forever.”