Veteran Tiger Chris Newman has spoken of his love for the game, his team-mates, and the Richmond Football Club, in an emotional retirement speech at the ME Centre yesterday.
Newman revealed to the players that he would retire from AFL football at the end of the 2015 season, after 15 years at the highest level.
“The first time I walked into the place, I’ll always remember it,” Newman told the players and coaches.
“Wayne Campbell must’ve drawn the short straw and had to show me around and introduce me to a few people.
“It’s amazing – I remember it like it was yesterday. It just goes so fast.
“I’ve sat in a lot of meetings when people have retired. It’s been hard to watch. They’ve always said it just goes really quick.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to be associated with this football club, and meet such great people.”
WATCH: highlights of Chris Newman’s 264-game career so far
Newman’s decision to retire this week allowed the 33-year-old a moment to reflect on an outstanding career, since being drafted in 2000.
“A very wise man once told me that life’s a journey. It made me reflect on my journey growing up,” he said.
“I went to go and watch Carlton play every single week. I’d sit behind the goals and watch Stephen Silvagni.
“I used to watch the little scuff marks he’d make on the ground, and as soon as I got onto the ground I’d go and see his turf, and where he had his footprint.
“That’s how much I loved football, and how much I wanted to play, and be like him.
“All the way to getting drafted – ‘Spud’ (former Richmond coach Danny Frawley) gave me the call, and said ‘”Welcome to Tigerland”. I’ll always remember those words.
“I never thought I’d be captain of the best club in the world, with the best supporters, and the best people.
“A lot of things have changed, but one thing that hasn’t changed for me is my passion for the jumper, and how much it means to me to get the opportunity to play in that jumper every week.
“I’ll miss more than anything putting the jumper on before games with you blokes.”
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