Kane Lambert has revealed the condition of his hip has deteriorated so much that he struggles to put on shoes and socks.
The Richmond triple premiership player announced his retirement from the game on Monday afternoon after struggling with the issue for the last few years.
Lambert, 30, says simple daily tasks have become challenging for him let alone playing footy at the highest level.
He provided some insight when addressing the media following his announcement.
“I’ve probably been a little bit scared to find that out, to be honest,” he said when asked just how bad it is.
“I’ve got osteoarthritis, it’s a lot of bone on bone in that hip so it’s not great.
“Day to day things like putting socks and shoes on, I don’t tie my shoe laces, can’t cut my toenails, getting in and out of cars is a challenge.
“It’s probably more emotionally and mentally exhausting than physically.”
The 135-game midfielder/forward is bracing to have the hip replaced one day.
“Whether that’s in the short term, I’d like to have a bit of a breather, let it settle and see what it looks like,” he said.
“Hopefully there’s alternative methods and medical advancements.
“But I think the long term at some point I will have the hip replaced.”
Lambert, who was selected by the Tigers in the 2015 rookie draft, is satisfied that he did everything in his power to continue playing.
He made an oath to coach Damien Hardwick that he would leave no stone unturned, however, came to the conclusion that it was the right decision to call time on his career
“It’s been a long time coming, to be fair,” Lambert added.
“I approached this year a bit uncertain whether or not I would play again. The last three or four years have been challenging.
“Something felt different about my hip, the way it was, this year. I remember pre-season trying to train and watching the boys go about their business and thinking, ‘I don’t know if I can do that anymore’.
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“I made a commitment with ‘Dimma’ that I was up for the fight and the challenge to do everything I possibly could. To explore all sorts of methods in order to get me out and play.
“I was only ever going to play if I felt that I could help and I could contribute. Now I’ve got to this point where I’m not at a level that I feel comfortable contributing at AFL level and I don’t think it’s fair to put myself out there with the boys not being able to help the way I’d like to.
“It’s been a real challenge, but it’s the right time for me and right time for the group.
“I feel comfortable and at peace that I’ve done all I can to perform and I’m no longer at that stage where I can.”
Lambert managed just seven games this season and 13 last year having featured prominently in Richmond’s three premierships in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
The former VFL star finished third in the best and fairest in the drought-breaking premiership year of 2017 and second in 2018 when the Tigers made the Preliminary Final.
He has an interest in coaching and football administration and will remain with the Tigers in an off-field role at least for the rest of 2022.