Popular ruckman Charman was also honoured with Life Membership after the Lions Board used their discretionary powers to induct him into the exclusive group.
After accepting the honour, the big Queenslander gave an entertaining and moving speech - his last as a Brisbane Lions player.
Charman started by recounting his first senior game - a performance which former Senior Coach Leigh Matthews apparently labelled the “worst debut ever”.
“I’d really like to thank Leigh for picking me up,” Charman said.
“The Club had a Queensland Priority Pick in those days and the recruiting officers didn’t rate me. But Leigh pushed hard and helped get me drafted to the Lions.”
Charman also recognised some of the great and lasting friendships he has developed during his time with the Club.
“I’d like to thank my team-mates for putting up with me over the years. I’ve been bloody annoying at times, but you’ve definitely been a great audience,” he said.
“Luke Power is one of the most approachable and sincere guys I’ve ever met. He’s got a nice chiselled jaw - I call him ‘Chisel’ or ‘Conservative Kev’ because he’s nice and conservative - but I’d like to thank him for his friendship over the years and wish him well in the future.”
“To my other good mate Blacky. We started off on bad terms after I punched him in the stomach during a practice game in 2002 which made him miss a couple of weeks with suspected broken ribs - but they were only bruised. I actually consider myself as being one of the reasons behind his Brownlow Medal win that year because he went into that season feeling pretty fresh after missing a couple of games.”
“I’ve never met a more humble and inspirational bloke than Simon Black. He’s the Darren Lockyer of AFL and I think he deserves a lot more credit.”
“Then there’s Xavier Clarke who has been a good friend of mine over the last two seasons. He took Lukey, Blacky and myself up to Arnhem Land where he and his family opened their arms to us and showed us a little bit of their culture. That week he taught Luke how to hunt, he taught Blacky how to fish, and he taught me how to dance.”
The 29 year-old said he will depart the Club with nothing but fond memories.
“I love the game because I love to compete. I love the physicality and I love attacking the contest. I love this Club,” he said.
“The Brisbane Lions has been my second family for 11 years and I’m proud to be a one-club player.”
“I’ve always tried to be a positive character and positive influence on the Club and feel blessed to have made so many close friends. I have met some amazing people along the way and will take away some great memories.”
“The Brisbane Lions breed good people and I encourage the Club to persist with employing great people and characters.”
“Michael Voss is the right man to coach this Football Club and I look forward to seeing the Lions go from strength to strength in the future.”
“I also leave you in good hands with Matthew Leuenberger at the helm. He has really shown that he will be a fantastic player and I look forward to watching him over the coming years.”
“I’ll be a Brisbane Lion for life, and will always support the boys along the way.”
“Lastly, and most importantly, I’d like to thank all the supporters. You guys are the life of this Club and have been magnificent. I ask that you continue to support it because it really needs you at the moment.”
