COLLINGWOOD premiership midfielder Luke Ball is content with his decision to retire after he was encouraged by coach Nathan Buckley to "have his moment" against Hawthorn on Friday night.
Ball, whose future was sealed when he met with Buckley on Wednesday, said he was initially keen to make a low-key exit from the AFL after 223 games and a premiership in 2010.
However, some advice from his coach led to him announcing the decision on Thursday, and his career was duly celebrated, with the popular veteran leaving the MCG through a guard of honour from both teams.
"Bucks’ advice was that it only happens once and next week, in a fortnight’s time, you're just another ex-player, so have your moment, you’ve deserved it," Ball said.
"I really thank him for that, because I've absolutely been humbled over the last 24 hours. Then the Hawks boys tonight, they certainly didn’t have to do that, they have bigger fish to fry next week.
"I’m absolutely content that it’s the right call. I'm sure that in the light of day it will be a bit sad, but I'm definitely ready to move on."
Ball said his conversation with Buckley on Wednesday was tough, but it was made easier by the pair's mutual respect.
The Magpies ultimately fell 65 points short on Friday night, but Ball said he soaked up the final moments after another tireless performance.
"In the last 10 minutes, I probably thought we were going to struggle to get back into it," he joked.
"That was when I think the message came out … get yourself in the middle and just chase the footy a bit.
"You rarely get that these days … I certainly tried to for that last 10 minutes, but unfortunately we were playing a side that is pretty hard to get the bloody ball back off."
The Magpies' rooms were emotional post-match, as Buckley and president Eddie McGuire addressed the team and acknowledged Ball's contribution to the club.
Result aside, Buckley said the club was "rapt to be able to celebrate Bally’s career".
"These type of blokes don’t come around all the time, and it does highlight that it doesn’t last forever," the coach said.
"Even the best blokes who have given everything of themselves for the time they have, it comes to an end for everyone unfortunately.
"The message for the young blokes is take advantage of it, make hay while the sun shines and enjoy your field of dreams when you’ve got that chance."
Ball admitted he wasn't 100 per cent sure what he would do post-football, but would map that out in the next few weeks.
"My immediate future, I'll go and watch the VFL tomorrow and maybe channel a bit of Darren Millane and a few of those boys, sitting behind the glass and having a couple of cold beers," he said.
Luke Ball's trademark tenacity never wavered in his final game. Picture: AFL Media.
