Essendon fans were sad to see the end of a great career but felt Joe Misiti – as has always been the case – did the right thing by the club and his teammates. Misiti endeared himself to Essendon fans through his hard work and ability to find the football and dispose of it in tight situations.

2004

Games – 19
Goals - 6
Kicks - 153
Marks - 52
Handballs - 115

2004 Fan’s ranking: 6.33 / 10

2003

Games - 21
Goals - 6
Kicks - 185
Marks - 56
Handballs - 160

2003 Fan's Rating: 6.43 / 10

What some of the Essendon fans had to say:

""What a champ. I am really sad to see Joey hang up the boots as he was a fantastic contributor for the club. His grunt and hard ball gets in the midfield will be missed. Who can forget the stunning 2000 QF against the Roos at the MCG!!!!"" Rachelle Bransgrove.

""Has never been the fastest man on the paddock, but always had the uncanny knack of finding himself with the ball in his hands. Fantastic servant of the club who bows out of the game with two premierships against his name - what more could you ask?"" Michael Wyres.

""Farewell Joe, thanks for the many years of service and commitment to the club. At times during the year reminded us of his ball extraction skills that made him one of our favourite sons. It was the right time for him to hang up the boots but it is still sad to see him go,"" Duncan Young.

""Retired at the right time after some years of great service to the Bombers. Never lost the art of getting the ball but his effective disposals weren't as good. Made a great impact as a marvellous clubman,"" Terry Burke.

""Sad to see such a legend go but the time was right, had a poor season with Stanton, Bullen, Haynes moving ahead of him in the midfield. A good career but made the right decision for him and the team,"" John Connell.

""What can you say, another consistent season by one of the Bomber greats. I wish him well in his retirement and hope that someone can step up and fill the shoes of one of our finest midfield players,"" Stephen Clarke.

""Sad to see someone of Joey's talent go. He always seemed to get the ball without being a huge standout midfielder. I think the 20 to 30 odd touches a game will be missed. Thanks for all the hard work over the years Joe,"" Helen Scully.

""What can we say about Smokin' Joe? He was truly one of the Bombers champions during the past few years. I give him credit for being smart enough to know when to hang up his boots!!! Great football career and will be greatly missed,"" Julie Quirk.