Dennis Armfield Biography

Dennis Armfield announces his retirement, effective at the end of the 2017 season.

"I was just aiming to play one game, so to have played 143 so far and receive life membership is something I'm certainly very proud of," Armfield said.

"It feels a bit surreal that it's my turn to hang up the boots, but the time is right. I am certain that the club is in the best position it's been during my time here, and I can't wait to see all of our youngsters blossom into the stars I know they'll be."

At the age of 30, Dennis Armfield has been added to Carlton's leadership group for the first time, taking the spot of the retired Andrew Walker.

Marc Murphy has retained the captaincy at the Blues with veteran defender Kade Simpson the vice-captain for the third year overall.

Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty, Bryce Gibbs and Ed Curnow round out the seven-player leadership group.

"In 2016, we set about building leadership density across our list. This year, we are sticking to the roadmap and ensuring there is a consistent level of leadership across the board," Blues coach Brendon Bolton said.

"With only one change to our leadership group for 2017, we are building on the foundations that were set last season."

Dennis Armfield signs a new one-year deal with the Blues and will also take on a part-time assistant coaching role with the club's women's team.

"We’re a developing side, and I am passionate about teaching our younger players and hopefully having a positive influence on them," he said.

"The body is feeling good and I still feel I have a fair bit to offer in terms of my playing career, so I am thankful the club has given me this opportunity to go around again.

"To also explore my passion for coaching through a part-time role with our women’s team is a terrific opportunity – I think these talented female footballers have so much to offer and I can’t wait to play a small role in this exciting new competition."

Dennis Armfield signs a new one-year deal with Carlton to play on in 2016.

"Dennis is the kind of person who puts his heart into everything he does, both on the track and away from it," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

"At the club he leads by example with his inclusiveness and the way he approaches training, while in the community he sets a tremendous example through his involvement at the Royal Children's Hospital and with Odyssey House Victoria."

Dennis Armfield signs a new two-year deal with Carlton that will keep him at the club until the end of 2015.

"We're very pleased that Dennis has agreed to terms for another two years; he certainly adds some speed to our forward line," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

"Dennis is also a great person to have around the club. He displays terrific leadership qualities with his active involvement in school and community programs."

Carlton has extended the contracts of Shaun Hampson, David Ellard and Dennis Armfield.

"Both Dennis and David have worked extremely hard to cement their place in the senior team this season and we recognise they will play a valuable role in the club's success over the coming years," football operations manager Steven Icke said.

"We were also very keen to re-sign Shaun Hampson, whose improvement, even with a knee injury earlier in the year, has been notable.

"We expect all players to take part in a full pre-season and we look forward to watching them continue their development in 2012."

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says his club is insulted by comments made by Carlton players Mitch Robinson and Dennis Armfield who accused the Demons of playing "bruise-free" football against the Blues.

"I think our club is very insulted by it. We don't play bruise-free footy and it's an insult to the club and all our players and it's an insult to our supporters, and I think it's very disappointing a player can come out and have that sort of an opinion because we don't play bruise-free footy," Bailey said.

"Our contested possession, even though it wasn't great against Carlton, was very good the week before against the Saints."

Bret Thornton joins young guns Dennis Armfield and Paul Bower is signing new two-year deals with Carlton.

Young guns Dennis Armfield and Paul Bower also agreed to extend their current contracts by two years on the weekend.

"Bret is now one of our senior players and while still young at just 25 years of age, he is one of the oldest players on the Carlton list," general manager of football operations Steven Icke said.

"Dennis and Paul were both recruited to the club from Western Australia. While Paul's development as an attacking defender has been on show this season, equally impressive for us has been the development of Dennis in his second season in the AFL."