Bradshaw has played a significant role in our Club's history after playing 222 matches and kicking 496 goals in 14 seasons with the Lions between 1996 and 2009.
He will go down as one of the true Lions greats having been a dual Club premiership player (2001, 2003), three-time leading goal-kicker (2005, 2006, 2008), Team of the Decade member and Lions Life Member.
Bradshaw was initially recruited to the Brisbane Bears from Wodonga in country Victoria with Pick No.56 in the 1995 AFL National Draft and played three senior matches in his debut season.
But it wasn't until 1997 - the first season of the newly merged Brisbane Lions - that he really started to establish himself as a regular goal-kicker. He booted 35 goals from 16 games to take out the Lions' Best First Year Player award and finish 5th in the AFL Rising Star award.
After serving a brief apprenticeship as a defender, he grew to become a versatile option for the Lions at either end of the ground - but he still proved most valuable in front of goals.
Alongside Alastair Lynch and Jonathan Brown, Bradshaw helped form what was to become the most potent attack in the AFL competition and enjoyed the spoils of team success as part of two Lions premiership sides.
Following Lynch's retirement at the end of 2004, Bradshaw stepped up as the team's key weapon in attack and led the Lions' goal-kicking in both 2005 (with 42 goals) and 2006 (with 59 goals).
However, tragedy struck during a pre-season match in 2007 when he ruptured his ACL during a seemingly innocent marking contest. The resultant injury required a full knee reconstruction and forced Bradshaw to sit out the entire 2007 season.
But he returned in career-best form 12 months later, kicking a career-high 75 goals from 20 matches and finish 4th in the Club Champion award - his best ever finish throughout his career.
In 2009 he kicked a further 58 goals and in the process became Brisbane's greatest ever goal-kicker - surpassing Lynch's previous record of 460 goals - and sat fourth in the Club's all-time leading goal-kickers (behind Lynch, Jack Moriarty and Bernie Quinlan) by season's end.
Bradshaw also played a key role in the Lions' first AFL Finals appearance in five years, producing a stunning final quarter to help lift his side over the line against Carlton in the 2009 Elimination Final at the Gabba. However, that unforgettable match proved to be his last ever at the Gabba.
After being offered up for trade during the 2009 off-season, Bradshaw decided to part ways with the Lions and move to Sydney where he joined the Swans.
He played a further nine matches and kicked 28 goals with the Swans during 2010, but spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines with a series of knee and hamstring injuries.
Unfortunately these persistent injuries also ruled him out for the first half of 2011 which ultimately led to his decision to hang up the boots.
Bradshaw today brings to an end his stunning 16-year AFL career the same way his played it - with minimal fuss.
While he has been largely unheralded by the wider public, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone associated with the Lions - including team-mates, coaches, staff and its fans - for the significant contribution he made to the Club.
Bradshaw also finishes with the distinction of being the last remaining player to have ever represented the former Brisbane Bears.
On behalf of the entire Brisbane Lions AFC, Chairman Angus Johnson congratulated Daniel Bradshaw on his fine career.
"Daniel was a true professional in his approach and gave wonderful service in 14 years with the Brisbane Lions," Mr Johnson said.
"He was a key part of what will become one of the most celebrated periods in our Club's history and remains to this day a favourite among our fans."
"His eventual departure from the Club understandably stirred emotions, but that does not take away from the fact that he will forever be remembered as one of the Lions' favourite sons."
"The entire Brisbane Lions AFC acknowledges the end of a wonderful AFL career and extends its best wishes to Daniel and his family on the next stage of their lives."
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Lions Best First Year Player 1997
AFL Rising Star Nomination 1997
Equal 5th AFL Rising Star Award 1997
Lions Premiership Player 2001, 2003
Lions Most Improved Player 2003
Lions Leading Goal-Kicker 2005, 2006, 2008
Lions Team of the Decade Member 2006
5th Lions Club Champion 2006
Lions Best Forward 2006
Lions Life Member 2006
AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match Victorian Representative 2008
Lions Most Professional Player 2008
4th Lions Club Champion 2008
2nd Swans Leading Goal-Kicker 2010
