Amon Buchanan might have announced his imminent retirement from AFL football, but he’s not done just yet.

Buchanan is determined to see out the 2012 NEAFL season with the Lions Reserves side, who he has helped lead to their first State League Grand Final since 2001.

Interestingly, should the Lions overcome the NT Thunder in this weekend’s Northern Conference decider at Yeronga, there is a distinct possibility that Buchanan’s final match in Lions colours could be against his former club, the Sydney Swans, in the following week’s NEAFL cross-conference championship.

What a fitting tribute it would be for the 29 year-old to bring an end to his career against the Swans, with whom he started his AFL journey 12 years ago.

But his, and his teammates’, sole focus is directed towards Sunday’s Grand Final and delivering the Club its first Premiership of any kind since 2003.

Buchanan advised the Lions players of his decision to hang up the boots a few days before making the announcement official at last Friday’s the Club Champion dinner, and was noticeably emotional when speaking about his teammates.

“I thanked the group personally earlier in the week…I’ve genuinely loved coming in to train with you blokes,” Buchanan said.

Watch the Amon Buchanan tribute video that was shown at the Club Champion event

The feeling was certainly reciprocal, with Senior Coach Michael Voss echoing the sentiments of the entire Club before introducing Buchanan on stage.

“Amon Buchanan has been a wonderful servant of the football club,” Voss told the 600-strong audience.

“In three seasons, when you look at Amon’s contribution, it’s probably fair to say that he’s had a bigger impact on the Brisbane Lions than his 18 senior games might suggest.”

“His wealth of AFL experience, his courage, and his commitment has earned the genuine respect of everyone at the Gabba.”

Voss also applauded Buchanan’s role in developing and educating his younger teammates.

“For the past two seasons in particular, he’s led the way for the Lions Reserves side. Despite playing for the Reserves, he never, ever, dropped his guard at any stage and was always searching to make sure he got the best from himself,” Voss said.

“This year’s he’s helped guide the team to their first Grand Final appearance in more than 10 years.”

“It’s fair to say that when we embarked on a campaign at the end of 2010 to install a new culture and set of values and behaviours, there’s probably no one at our Club that has contributed more to that than Amon behind the scenes.”

“It goes to show that it’s not just what you do on the field, but also how you conduct yourself off it.”

Lions fans are encouraged to create a sea of maroon, blue and gold at Yeronga this Sunday afternoon at 2pm, to put their support behind the Reserves side and help Amon Buchanan finish his wonderful career on a high note.

Fans unable to attend the match can watch the game LIVE courtesy of the NT Thunder's YouTube page