Q – Michael when did you tell the players you were retiring – and when did you tell Dean Rioli and what was his reaction?
A – It is very hard. I haven’t spoken to the players – but I suppose in the end I didn’t have to tell them because they could sense it. I told Dean before the Grand Final – his family are like my brothers and sisters – and I said to him that it is his time. He is the next one to carry on the family name. That is a huge responsibility but I will be there supporting him.
Q – So Michael you knew on the last training session before the Grand Final that you would not be playing on?
A – In the end the decision wasn’t mine. I didn’t want to say anything because it wasn’t the right time – we had to go out and win a Grand Final. I spoke to the guys about a day or two before about what I was feeling and what I wanted them to do. The emotion can sometimes take over and that is what I didn’t want to happen.
Q – Immediately after the Grand Final, you were pretty serious about playing on – talk us through that and what changed your mind.
A – You play a game all of your life and it is very hard to walk away. It is something that you love and the disappointing thing in the end is that it wasn’t my knee that gave way it was my hamstring. I would play on if I could but I am in a position now where the opportunities present themselves in other areas.
