Despite his short time at the GIANTS, midfielder Tendai Mzungu leaves having made his mark at the club.

The 31-year-old announced his retirement this week after a distinguished career at Fremantle and the GIANTS.

Mzungu joined the GIANTS in the 2017 Rookie Draft and played four games this season to add to his 102 games for the Dockers across six seasons. 

"Despite only being at the GIANTS for a short period of time, the acceptance into the GIANTS family that my partner Jess and I received has been overwhelming,” Mzungu said.

"I've consistently seen a playing and coaching group who are eager to learn and improve and I am excited to watch from a distance and see that development continue over the next few years.”

Mzungu arrived at the GIANTS in November and immediately impressed, finishing in the top 10 of the 3km time trial.

His approach to the game and professionalism saw him put in consistent performances throughout the JLT Community Series before he was upgraded from the Rookie list to the GIANTS senior list ahead of round one. 

Mzungu would make his GIANTS debut in round one but his first game in orange and charcoal was over before it truly began with the veteran tearing his hamstring early in the second quarter.

After ten weeks out, Mzungu returned to form through the NEAFL and played a further three games for the GIANTS including kicking a goal in the round 16 draw against Hawthorn. 

Mzungu returns to Fremantle, where he is a cult hero having kicked their first goal in the 2013 Grand Final, becoming the Dockers’ inaugural coach of their Next Generation Academy which identifies indigenous and multicultural talent in Western Australia.

"I’d like to thank my teammates, coaches, staff and all the members and fans that are all part of building something special at the GIANTS,” he said. 

“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and leave with somewhat of a heavy heart, but excited about the next chapter at the Fremantle Football Club where I’ll be coaching the Next Generation Academy.”