Richmond premiership player Shaun Grigg is hoping his decision to retire will provide an opportunity for someone else to realise their AFL dream through the mid-season draft.
Grigg, 31, called time on his career with immediate effect on Tuesday after playing 214 games over 13 seasons for both the Tigers and Carlton.
After an injury ravaged start to the 2019 season, the utility is comfortable with his retirement call after a “horrible” pre-season.
“I just knew I couldn’t get back to play good enough footy and get my body right,” Grigg told SEN Afternoons.
“It was time to call it quits on my career which hopefully opens up a door and someone else can realise their dream with the Tiges.
“I had a horrible pre-season to be honest, I didn’t get much work in at all, and then came back to training and had a couple of setbacks.”
With the Tigers set to be an active player in the mid-season draft later this month, Grigg revealed conversations surrounding his future took place weeks prior to his decision.
“The conversation started a few weeks ago about if I could get back and it was totally up to me to think if I could or not,” he said.
“I had meetings with Dimma (Damien Hardwick), Blair Hartley (Richmond list manager) and also our doctor and head physio as well as family and friends.
“I just had to look deep down in myself and just be honest. As much as I would love to get back out there … I just couldn’t do it.”
Listen to Shaun Grigg’s chat on SEN Afternoons with Andy Maher in the player below