Aaron Davey’s emotions got the better of him on Tuesday and all present including his AFL teammates could feel the sense of occasion as Melbourne’s former club champion faced up to reality.
On the previous day, the Demons had sat down with the 30-year-old small forward and a decision was reached that he wouldn’t play on in 2014.
That leaves two more AFL games with Melbourne for the former rookie-listed player from Darwin.
Davey made his debut in 2004 and is a veteran of 176 matches, winning a club best-and-fairest award in 2009.
In his third season, the Demons crashed out of the premiership race in the semi-finals against Fremantle.
That was Melbourne’s most-recent finals campaign.
Second-last with two rounds remaining in 2013, the Demons have had little joy. But their round-23 clash with Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on September 1 will be a chance to say goodbye to the speed merchant nicknamed “Flash”.
“We had a chat yesterday and decided that I was going to retire from the Melbourne Football Club as of this year,” Davey said.
“I walk away after 10 years of service at this great club, a place that actually made me believe I could become the role model and the leader that I see myself as today, not only for indigenous people but also non-indigenous people.
“This is probably the harder part. My family,” he added, pausing to compose himself.
“My brothers and sisters and my mum have been amazing, have been great support for me over the last 10 years and I hope I’ve made them really proud.
“My beautiful wife Anna and my five beautiful kids have been my biggest supporters from day one.
“Anna in particular with my mood swings over the last 10 years.
“If I’ve missed you please forgive me. It’s one of those tough things.
“I’ve got about 600 cameras in front of me.”
Davey said he genuinely loved his teammates.
“To come from Darwin to know that I’ve got brothers from all over Australia is something that I’ll always remember,” he said.
Averaging 10.7 disposals in 18 games in 2013, Davey has been used as a sub in recent weeks.
His pace, both with the ball and running down opponents, was breathtaking at his peak.
He says he’s flattered the Demons are talking to him about a possible off-field role.
“I can’t actually explain what my future holds,” he said.
“My head’s in the clouds.”
Melbourne’s interim coach Neil Craig fondly recalls his days as Adelaide coach, when he would watch dual Norm Smith Medallist Andrew McLeod take on Davey.
“The greatest respect I can give Aaron is that Andrew McLeod always used to stand Aaron and there was a reason for that,” Craig said.
“It’s called talent on talent.
“He’s had a pretty special career.”