Daniel Merrett happy to retire after chasing Nick Riewoldt in final game

DANIEL Merrett says having to chase fellow Gold Coast junior Nick Riewoldt all over Etihad Stadium yesterday reinforced his decision to hang up the boots.

Daniel Merrett plays his 200th and last match. Picture: George Salpigtidis

DANIEL Merrett says having to chase fellow Gold Coast junior Nick Riewoldt all over Etihad Stadium yesterday reinforced his decision to hang up the boots.

Merrett played his 200th and final senior match in the 58-point loss to the Riewoldt-inspired St Kilda and was chaired from the ground with players from both teams forming a guard of honour for the colourful key defender.

Family, friends and former teammates such as Jonathan Brown, Troy Selwood, Matt Maguire, Andrew Raines, Joel Patfull and Jed Adcock surrounded Merrett after the match in the Brisbane dressingrooms while Luke Power paid a visit before the game.

The atmosphere was less loving during the contest as Riewoldt took a career-high 21 marks and kicked nine goals for the Saints.

“Nick was moving well today, wasn’t he? It is quite the way to finish. I will definitely not miss that,’’ Merrett said.

“I tried not to think about it (being his last game) too hard because I thought I would get really emotional.

“It hit me when I walked off the ground. It sunk in that I won’t walk out there again.’’

Daniel Merrett tries to keep up with Nick Riewoldt. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Merrett was swung forward in the third quarter and kicked a goal after taking a spectacular mark to the delight of the Lions supporters gathered behind the goals at the Coventry End.

He celebrated with the nearby “Sauce Squad’’ and later leaned on the boundary fence near his fans as he awaited a Stef Martin shot at goal.

Merrett addressed the team at the last change and was sent back to defence late to slow down Riewoldt, who was near unstoppable on the way to the third nine-goal bag of his career.

Daniel Merrett leaves the field for the last time. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Merrett believes Brisbane has a bright future with the crop of young cubs on the playing list.

“If they can stay together and play a lot of footy together they can have success. There’s a bit of short-term pain at the moment but in the long term we will be more than OK.’’

Lions senior coach Justin Leppitsch paid tribute to Merrett for being a mainstay in tough times.

“I feel for ‘Rodge’. Your career sometimes is about luck (and) where you get pulled out (of the draft) and where you end up. You play in good teams and sometimes you don’t,’’ he said.

“Unfortunately for Rodge, he’s been a part of an era of our football club that haven’t had a lot of success post the so-called glory days that people talk about.

“He’s had to carry the can through hard times and a lot of inside-50s against him and a lot of stress but he’s been such a trooper and got great care and empathy. People really respect him and love him.’’

Daniel Merrett walks on to the ground for his last game.