 On 1 September 2015, Stokes announced the final round clash against would be his last for Geelong and he was subsequently delisted, he announced his official retirement from the AFL on 6 November.In January 2016, he came out of retirement to sign with the Essendon Football Club as a top-up player due to the club's supplements controversy.He announced in August he would retire after his 200th game in round 22 against at Etihad Stadium.