Ryan Houlihan Biography

Recently retired Blue Ryan Houlihan will coach Greater Western Sydney's 'Academy' players in 2012.

"I am really excited about the move to Greater Western Sydney and the opportunity to work with the Slater & Gordon Giants Academy," he said.

"It will allow talented young players from New South Wales access to experienced AFL players that have already come through the system and played at the highest level."

Ryan Houlihan has announced his retirement after 201 games.

"I would have loved to achieve ultimate success in winning a premiership, but you can't always get the fairytale ending," Houlihan said.

"There were times when there was interest from other clubs, but my decision to stay was based on my intention to be a 200-game, one-club player ... and that's something I'm very proud of.

"In the end, football's been good to me, but with form and injury I thought my time had come to step away."

Carlton's Ryan Houlihan will not play again in 2010 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

The AFL will take no further action against Carlton players following the Blues' controversial end of year celebrations involving drunken antics by Eddie Betts, Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Walker.

"It is important that the club continues to pursue a culture of responsible use of alcohol," AFL general manager of football Adrian Anderson said.

"The club has already taken steps to improve in this area, but the AFL will appoint an appropriate person to consult with the club to further assist the club in its approach to responsible use of alcohol."

Errant trio Eddie Betts, Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Walker have been suspended from the Blues for a month and will not be eligible for NAB Cup selection.

The trio incurred their suspensions following a drunken episode aboard a cruise ship just prior to the Christmas break.

"They will be suspended from the club immediately for a period of one month, and during this time they will complete all training away from the rest of the player group, and with the Northern Bullants," club president Stephen Kernahan said.

"They will also be unavailable for selection for the NAB Cup, and we know this will impact on their preparation for the home and away season - clearly it was completely unacceptable."

Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Walker have been penalised for their part in an incident at Crown Casino on Sunday morning.

The pair have been banned from Crown after an alleged drunken scuffle with a woman and a security guard at the casino.

Both players were hit with the maximum penalty under the League and AFL Players' Association code of conduct, understood to be $5000.

"This incident is unacceptable and a poor reflection on the Carlton Football Club," chief executive Greg Swann said in a statement.

"It is an even greater disappointment to have this type of behaviour at a time when we are making considerable improvements to the club on and off the field."

Blues utility Ryan Houlihan is set for a big year after overcoming a long-term debilitating condition.