THE LAST link to the Brisbane Lions premiership era is gone, with Ash McGrath announcing his retirement.
After battling a calf injury for much of the season, the 31-year-old said it was a pretty easy decision in the end.
McGrath was a member of the 2003 premiership team and will finish up after Sunday's game against Fremantle at the Gabba.
The South Fremantle product has played 213 games since being drafted by the Lions with pick No.13 in the 2000 AFL Draft.
Speaking to a packed media conference at the Gabba on Thursday, McGrath said his decision to retire was confirmed last Saturday night when he sat on the couch with wife Amanda and watched the Lions thrash Collingwood at the MCG.
"I've been thinking about it all year, but it wasn't until the last month that I sat down with Leppa and tried to work out some stuff," he said.
"At the end of the day it was a pretty easy decision; the group's moving forward and I was just finding it a bit tough to back up week to week.
"The game's sped up a bit. It's going to be pretty hard to knock out the 'Mozzie Squad', (with) Squizzy Taylor, Josh Green, (Dayne) Zorko and Crispy (Jack Crisp) coming through and then the big talls down forward - it's going to be hard to get a spot."
McGrath made his debut in 2001 and will perhaps be best remembered for his 200th game against Geelong last year in which he kicked an after-the-siren goal from outside 50m to lift the Lions to a remarkable comeback victory.
Coach Justin Leppitsch, who played alongside McGrath for six seasons, said the veteran had the ability to turn a game single-handedly.
"It is a sad day for the club in a lot of ways," Leppitsch said.
"He's been a terrific servant - 14 years at the club is amazing.
"Ash's ability to change direction, his goal sense, natural football ability, he's one of the best I've played with in that area.
"Ash could always turn a game. I think it's a great compliment for anyone that can go down (forward) and win a game for your team, and Ash had the ability to do that."
McGrath, always the joker, said it was no coincidence he chose this week to announce his retirement.
"I thought I'd do it today because on Monday we've got skinfold tests, so it saves (strength and conditioning coach) Matty Hass bringing the barbecue tongs - so I thought I'd knock it out of the way now."
McGrath's retirement follows that of Brent Moloney and three-time premiership player Jonathan Brown earlier in the season.
With their retirements, it leaves veteran defender Matt Maguire, 30, as the oldest player on the list.
After struggling at the start of the year, Maguire has played the past 11 matches and now appears certain to play at least another season.
Midfielder James Polkinghorne had an operation on his ankle last week and is believed to be on his way out the club, looking to return home to Melbourne.
