Western Strikers defender Daniele Lastella retires after 291 senior games

DANIELE Lastella's first team debut says much about the determination that typified his long career.

DANIELE Lastella's first team debut says much about the determination that typified his long career.

Playing away to Modbury as a 16-year-old in Western Strikers' first federation season, the defender battled through the match to win best on ground honours.

"It was really tough coming from under-15s to the senior team," Lastella says.

"From being a little kid, you had to grow up and be a man."

Lastella hung up his boots on Saturday after 291 senior matches in SA.

The 31-year-old says his final game, a 2-0 home loss to West Torrens Birkalla, was an emotional experience.

"During the game, it just felt like a normal game.

"But when the final whistle blew, I knew it was finally all over."

Lastella started his junior career at Adelaide City before moving to the Royal Park-based Strikers aged 16.

He returned to City for two seasons, before signing for Blue Eagles where he won the Premier League title in 2003.

After returning to Strikers to play alongside his brothers, Michele and Gianni, he helped the club to consecutive promotions.

He then played in the club's 2011 Federation Cup win - Strikers first piece of major silverware.

"It's a fantastic club and has grown a lot," he says.

"But it's always been a family-orientated club and we bring through a lot of our own youth players."

Lastella lists Jason Trimboli and Nathan Day as his toughest opponents over the years.

He says he will retire to concentrate on his tiling business and spend more time with his young family.