Retirement season has arrived, the annual late-winter period when the AFL caravan slows for just long enough to reflect on who – and what – the game is about to lose. When the stars of the show and ageing fan favourites take one last turn in the spotlight, and when unsung heroes have a rare chance to step out of the shadows.
Triumphs and accolades are recalled from the record books. Career statistics are mined for hidden gems. Highlight reels are picked over for forgotten moments of brilliance. Setbacks are seen as all part of the journey, while misdemeanours are laughed off as youthful exuberance and more serious indiscretions are relabelled as opportunities for personal growth.
