RETIRING West Coast premiership player Adam Selwood said fatigue was his overriding emotion after walking from an AFL ground for the final time against Adelaide.

The 187-game veteran played as the substitute after scans mid-week revealed he had suffered a minor quad strain while played for East Perth in the WAFL, but it didn't stop from playing a farewell match alongside Norm Smith medallist and fellow premiership player Andrew Embley.

"Nothing was going to make me miss this week," Selwood said.

"I was exhausted from being out there. I only played a half but I definitely know the game is too quick for me now.

"It was a pretty emotional time out on the field and then getting in there obviously it was a pretty sombre mood with the performance we had.

"Now it's just a matter of enjoying the career and the opportunity I've had, and I'll catch up with a few of the boys later on and just reflect on what's just happened over the last 11 years."

Selwood said it was difficult to watch the 86-point loss unfold in front of him while he waited for his opportunity to come on in the third quarter.

It has been a disappointed year for the 29-year-old, who managed just eight games in a season in which his team won just nine matches.

Selwood has experienced the best and the worst of football in his 11 AFL seasons.

"It's definitely had more highs than lows.

"I've seen everything that AFL has thrown up. Bottom of the ladder, top of the ladder, some prelim finals, another Grand Final, and just some years that have been really tough.

"I've enjoyed every minute. It's been a club that's given a lot of support not only on the field but off as well.

"I couldn't have asked for a better club to play for."

Selwood was also very proud to finish with a premiership teammate and fellow life member in Embley.

"He's been a champion, and a champion bloke.

"I've loved sharing a special moment with him.

"Being a life member and being connected to this club forever is wonderful, and in years to come you can always walk through the doors knowing that you contributed in a fair way and everyone will respect you for that."

Oddly, the pair will square off next week in the WAFL, as Selwood will play for East Perth against Embley's Swan Districts in the elimination final.

"Yeah I'm excited. Embers and I now play against each other," Selwood said.

"If I can walk away playing some finals and getting into a Grand Final, maybe, I'd walk away with a smile on my face."     

Selwood will also keep an eye on Geelong's progress in the AFL finals as his brother Joel chases a fourth flag.

"Hopefully Joel becomes a premiership player again and he's in line to maybe win a Brownlow," Selwood said.

"He's turning into a wonderful captain of the AFL, and Geelong.

"And hopefully the same for Scotty. He's got the same traits and wants to be captain and I think over the next year or two he could really develop and take the reins."