Brave Richmond key-position player, Graham Polak, has announced his retirement from AFL football.

Polak, who suffered life-threatening injuries when hit by a tram in late June 2008, made a courageous return to senior league ranks in the final two rounds of the 2009 season and managed a further three games with Richmond this year.

But a drop in form, combined with a severe knock he sustained at VFL level with Coburg two months ago, and a segment on Channel Nine’s “60 Minutes” program last Sunday night, has convinced Polak the time is right for him to bow out of league football.

“It’s probably been at the back of mind ever since that big knock I got during the middle of the year . . . I was knocked out cold,” Polak said.

“I didn’t really start thinking seriously about it until the past couple of weeks.  I’ve seen a little bit of form slip away and I don’t know what it’s due to.

“And, I was actually watching “60 Minutes” last Sunday and they had this story on brain injuries in the various football codes.  I saw this guy, who had brain damage from a hit he’d taken playing Rugby League . . . I’ve had more knocks than him, plus I’ve already suffered a brain injury, in the accident with the tram.

“So, that pretty much triggered me into making the decision to retire.  After seeing the story, and talking with my partner, Alyce, I realised that life’s more important.  I don’t want to grow up as a person, who can’t play with his kids.  So, I don’t want any more big knocks like that . . .

Polak played a total of 111 AFL games all-up - 73 with Fremantle from 2002-06 and 38 for Richmond from 2007-10.

Although the 26-year-old is drawing the curtain on his league career, he remains keen to continue playing at a lower level.

“I still feel fine and still want to be involved in football and play in a local league somewhere.  Just where that is depends on what the boss (Alyce) says.

“We’re getting married back in Perth later this year and we’ll just see what happens after that,” he said.

Polak took immense pride in his ability to fight back from his near-death experience, and return to playing the game he loves, at the highest level.

“There were doubters along the way, adamant that I could never make it back.  So, to get back, and prove a lot of people wrong, was a great thrill,” Polak said.

“On the other hand, I’ve also had amazing support - from Richmond fans, and other football fans all around Australia.  I’ve got three big folders of emails from people who sent messages to me after they heard about my injury.

“I couldn’t have made it back without that support, as well as all the help and backing I’ve received from the Club.  They have been tremendous and I am extremely grateful for everything they’ve done for me.

“I’m not sure what would have happened with me at the end of the season in terms of the playing list, anyway.  But, to go out like this, on my own terms, is good.”