Following Jason Castagna's retirement announcement on Monday, Richmond Media interviewed the triple-premiership Tiger. Here are his thoughts behind his decision to call time on his career and his reflections on his Tigerland journey...

Emotions after explaining his decision to the playing group

"I feel a lot of relief now. I'm really happy I got to thank people that I wanted to thank and acknowledge a lot of people. I basically just kind of told them that I've lost my love for the game a bit and I think now is the right time to make the call as opposed to just continuing on through the season and not doing it 100 per cent. I definitely let them know that and I feel a lot better for it."

Reflecting on the journey

"Looking back on my journey, it only brings up really nice, good, fond memories. So much to reflect on, the majority of my adult life has been made up of footy and the Richmond Football Club. So many good memories and friendships I've made over the time and I'm just really grateful for them."

Retiring as a three-time premiership player

"Three-time premiership player is a lot more than I ever would have expected. Getting drafted and even playing my first game is well beyond what I ever expected. But that's just a by-product of the journey and the fun I've had along the way. I feel like I've got so much to show for my time here at Richmond."

Making the move into the forward line and being a part of the Tigers' 'mosquito fleet'

"I was really happy with that move, it changed my career around a bit, before that being on the fringe and not really playing a heap of footy. It was a credit to 'Dimma' and the coaches for making that call. Going into that forward line playing alongside Dan Butler and Dan Rioli and forming that 'mosquito fleet' there, it was such a good time and we had so much fun there playing our role for the team. (I was) really happy to be a part of the success at that time as well."

Being a consistent role player across the premiership years

"I was pretty blessed injury-wise in my career and always kind of just managed to get out on the park which I'm very grateful for. They were such fun years those years, and even any little niggles and stuff, you always just found a way to play because it was so much fun." 

Highlights of his career

"So many highlights. Obviously, the success with the premierships, but more so, just all the friendships made along the way. All the small, little laughs and banter with teammates. So many things that I'll cherish forever. The flags are a nice excuse to catch up with teammates for reunions in the future."

His Tiger teammates

"I feel like each year I've kind of either become closer with another teammate or added to my group of close mates. It's been so nice... I've got lifelong mates now that I've made through footy and nothing really even to do with the success. The success will bind us together, but it's everything else that I'm really grateful for and the friendships that I'll have forever."

Retiring as a one-club player

"Richmond gave me the chance by drafting me as a rookie when a lot of other clubs overlooked me. I owe so much to Richmond and I'm honoured and happy to say that I played for just Richmond my whole career."

What's next

"I want to look into tattooing and pursue a career in that. It's pretty raw at the moment but I'm excited to jump in the deep end and get head first into that and put all my energy into that."

Who he'd like to thank

"There's so many people, but all the coaches here, my family, my partner, all my teammates, countless staff here as well, that have played a part along the journey. I'm so grateful to everyone that's contributed to my career and made it such an enjoyable one."