When Lions champion Luke Power ran onto the Gabba field last Saturday night, only few knew it would be for the last time.
After a sleepless Friday night, Power had come to the difficult decision together with his family and then waited until less than two hours prior to the bounce before advising his team-mates of his impending retirement.
But for everyone else who was none the wiser, it seemed like business as usual.
Power no doubt enjoyed one final ham and beetroot sandwich before the game before going through his other regular pre-game rituals.
To the humble 31 year-old’s own admission, he went out the way he wanted - understated and with little fuss.
“I didn’t want to make it about me. I didn’t want it to be a distraction for the group,” Power said after the game.
It projected the same values of respect, humility and class that have become synonymous with Power throughout his playing career.
Even during his final media conference, the three-time premiership star preferred to praise his Senior Coach and team-mates rather than bask in the glow of his decorated 14-year AFL career.
“I’m leaving with nothing but praise for Vossy and this Football Club,” he said.
“I love the Club. I love everything to do with it. It’s been like a family for me over the last 14 years.”
“I believe Vossy will be successful and is the right man for the Club going forward. I’ve been really impressed with how he’s handled himself during a difficult season.”
Power said the hardest part of the decision was leaving at the start of an exciting period for the Club.
“I mentioned even as early as last week that I was keen to go on only because I was so excited about where this group was going,” Power said.
“In the last five weeks I’ve seen so much improvement in the group.”
“The Club will get Daniel Merrett and Jonathan Brown back next year as well which will make a huge difference. One kicks four goals per game and the other stops four goals per game, which contributes an extra eight goals to the team.”
“I’m also spewing that I won’t get to enjoy a brand new facility which is in the works.”
“But I’m looking forward to seeing the Club play one of the younger boys in my spot next week. Meanwhile, I’ll probably sit back and watch the game with my great mate Craig Bolton and have a beer or two.”
While Power’s seamless move into retirement probably didn’t generate the fanfare or recognition it deserved, the Lions will go to every length to ensure that his contribution and legacy is celebrated.
The Club is already starting to put some plans together to ensure that our members and supporters have an opportunity to show pay tribute to one of the Lions’ favourite sons.
Leave your Luke Power Hero Message HERE
