Michael Voss (Player)

[loyallion]

Vossy has retired I feel like there has been a death in the family this is a very sad day for Brisbane indeed.

You will be missed Vossy you did the state of Qld proud.

[BrisGirl]

What a ride!!

I would like to thank you for taking us on the best ride ever, through a wonderful era.

You brought honour and pride to this Club and I thank you.

One of the greatest ever..........Michael Voss

[godons81]

Vossy has retired I feel like there has been a death in the family this is a very sad day for Brisbane indeed.

You will be missed Vossy you did the state of Qld proud.

A very sad day for the Brisbane Lions Football Club. He was a superstar and it was an honour to watch him in full flight.

Probably the right decision though, better for him to go out on his own terms rather than find it too tough to go on mid way through next season

[xplo]

What a ride!!

I would like to thank you for taking us on the best ride ever, through a wonderful era.

You brought honour and pride to this Club and I thank you.

One of the greatest ever..........Michael Voss

Great post, BrisGirl. :thumbsu:

We all knew it would happen eventually. We'll all have a drink tonight and toast the bugger till we're green in the face and then get on with it ;)

[lionsrock9]

:eek: :eek: :eek: No frickin way
we must draft Joel Selwood
champion for a champion

[notting18]

If any one person can represent everything that a club has been and stands for its Vossy....We all knew it was coming but it still shocks ya to hear it doesnt it?

Thanks for your great service vossy!

[CharlieG]

Vossy has retired I feel like there has been a death in the family this is a very sad day for Brisbane indeed.

You will be missed Vossy you did the state of Qld proud.

The O'Keefe quote in my sig refers to his two dead brothers. Puts footy in perspective.

Voss is one of the greatest players of all time. Voss can't be replaced. Brisbane is still bigger than Voss.

[Djibril Cisse]

Champion of The Game, sad to see him go, although, he has told Kevin Sheedy he wants to play against Ireland in The IR.

[tazhawk]

A great champion who I really rate.

Voss >>> Buckley > Hird.

Its been a pleasure to watch the man play footy.

[Frank Drebin]

Here Here!

[Sherman_11]

I've had months to get use to the idea of him retiring and i thought i could handle it. But the moment i saw "Voss Retires" i was hit by this hollow feeling.

Thank you Vossy for all the wonderful memories. You were a brilliant player right up until your last game and your legacy will live on forever.

What a carreer. What a Champion. What a legend

[Kaitsey]

no way

hird >>> buckley

[Melbourne Lion]

Long Live the King of the Jungle!

[Snuka]

What a ride!!

I would like to thank you for taking us on the best ride ever, through a wonderful era.

You brought honour and pride to this Club and I thank you.

One of the greatest ever..........Michael Voss

Well put! I never thought about that line in bold much but your 100% percent correct. Come to the club as a Bear and lead us to the top as Lions. Vossy always struck fear and awe into the opposition, went a long way to making us the force we are today.

[Warwick]

Anyone else feel like they have lost a particularly close family member?

[Warwick]

Vossy has retired I feel like there has been a death in the family this is a very sad day for Brisbane indeed.

You will be missed Vossy you did the state of Qld proud.
I wrote that in another thread as well. That's exactly what it feels like. I'm speechless.

[SouthSwans]

Hird = Voss >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Buckley

[*Danni*]

Sorry I had to edit the title - the 'oart of me' bit was bugging me!

See how overly sensitive I am now with todays very sad news?

I don't know what to say except to reiterate I feel the same. Gawd I'm gonna be a blubbering mess tonight when he gets up to speak. :(

[loyallion]

thanks danni for that.

[armagedon ready]

Although we expected it, my heart is very heavy.
How priveliged we have been to be able to follow a team as great as the Lions, and to watch this man take us from a laughing stock to glory.
A real legend of the game , and as Leigh would say, a wonderful citizen.

eed to go and have some quiet time now.

[Vipertooth]

I wish there was a crying emotican....

Voss, what can I say, I am really really really sorry I missed your last game :(

I wont even be there tonight, :(

I feel so bad :(

Voss was the most inspriational player EVER, when he lifted the team lifted and it helped win games. I agree with others it feels like a member of my family died...

Voss you are the BEST player, I wish you well for the future and hope you stay on, when I get up there one day I can talk to you and meet you for the first time, my greatest regret is not having the chance to do this while you were a player!

You were the best captin I have even seen mate, Thanks for everything you have ever done, especially the three-peat Grand Finals of 2001-2003 also the 2004.

Cheers to the greatest lions player and possibly best in history!!!

GO VOSS :thumbsu: :thumbsu: :thumbsu:

YOU LITTLE BEAUTY

[Vipertooth]

bigfooty needs a crying emotican....

[swansrule100]

sad day for football, wish i had been lucky enough to have seen voss at the swans :P

he was one of the best footballers and one of the fairest footballers ive seen.


what a champ

[leaper]

A sad day, how many ex Bears are left. I think Lappin, Chris Scott, and Daniel Bradshaw, we lose Keating Vossy and Aka and Leppa.

[Viceregal]

Awesome player - ferocious gentleman - worthy role model!

All the very best in all the many things in your future - and wherever you go I hope they appreciate you there as much as we have here!

[Jabso]

Congratulations on a fantastic career, one of the true champions of the game.

[luthor]

I apologize if this has been done before...but what the hell....now seems like a good time to do it again.

1) The one fingered salute ("We're no 1!!) to the crowd after kicking the sealing goal in the 2001 GF.

2) The 70 metre ball-burster goal against the Pies in 2000.

Ah bugger it..come to think of it ...it was at least 85 metres wasn't it??:D

3) that marvellous saving mark at the crucial point late in the 2002 GF.

4) "You little beauty"!!!!!!

There are no doubt many, many more but my memory is a too clouded with emotion to reel anymore off right now.

Feel free to contribute fellow Footy fans.

[luthor]

Sorry I had to edit the title - the 'oart of me' bit was bugging me!



It's hard to see that pesky keyboard when there's a tear in your eye.:o

[Vipertooth]

That game this year where he lifted the team and we won, cant remember what game but we were losing then he layed a few awsome tackles and really got into it and the whole team lifted!

Also that game a few years ago, where he was off injuried or soemthing and we were losing and he came back on and the whole team lifted and we won, that was magical.

[Lions_Master]

He wasn't a player, he wasn't a champion, he was simply indeed a legendary figure of the AFL and the Brisbane Lions for 15 years. A three time Preimiership Captain who led a team to glory heights where few have walked. Only just was the team was a wooden spooner three seasons before their kingdom rose.

Truly the inspirational skipper who led by example. He will be a prime example on how to lead a team and play for many years to come. Any supporter understands the sadness of a player who retires. He may not be running around the Gabba ground anymore but the memories will be with us.

Congratulations to Michael Voss, Raise your glasses to Vossy.

[konstas_87]

What a ride!!

I would like to thank you for taking us on the best ride ever, through a wonderful era.

You brought honour and pride to this Club and I thank you.

One of the greatest ever..........Michael Voss
thanks for the memories Vossy, ill always have my DVDs :)
you've truly been a champion for the club, on and off the field.

[konstas_87]

I apologize if this has been done before...but what the hell....now seems like a good time to do it again.

1) The one fingered salute ("We're no 1!!) to the crowd after kicking the sealing goal in the 2001 GF.

2) The 70 metre ball-burster goal against the Pies in 2000.

Ah bugger it..come to think of it ...it was at least 85 metres wasn't it??:D

3) that marvellous saving mark at the crucial point late in the 2002 GF.

4) "You little beauty"!!!!!!

There are no doubt many, many more but my memory is a too clouded with emotion to reel anymore off right now.

Feel free to contribute fellow Footy fans.
agree with all those, ohh when he used to roost 75m drop punts i used to get shivers.

the 30m left-handed hand balls

ironing out peverill, completely fairly, in no rules game.

[luthor]

Here's another one....

2002 GF......first half (maybe second quarter?)

Collingwood player (Burns?) "hits" Voss with a bone -cruching bump and Vossy is momemtarily floored.

The Pies fans go wild but whlie they are still marvelling over the incredible feat(of seeing Voss come off second best), he jumps up, grabs the ball and feeds off a perfect handpass to Simon Black who drills the goal!!!!

The Pies fans went from chocolates to boiled lollies in about 4 seconds flat.

Absolute magic.

[irish]

well i didnt think i could feel worse than when lynch retired ! i was wrong !!!!

[Grimreepah]

Matthews says (http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Coach-Matthews-hails-Lions-legend-Voss/2006/10/06/1159641497136.html) Voss is the most valuable person in the history of the AFL, and we know he doesn't hand out praise lightly.

I don't think it's hit me yet. Come round 1 next year I think it will start to sink in.

[luthor]

OK...if Wally Lewis gets a statue outside Lang Park, it's time we get one of M.Voss outside the Gabba.

Something visible and "concrete" has to be done in honour of our greatest ever Footy player.

[lion_gooner]

i hope voss doesnt take to much money seeing how he will stillbe on the vterens list coz of the salary cap

[John]

That game this year where he lifted the team and we won, cant remember what game but we were losing then he layed a few awsome tackles and really got into it and the whole team lifted!

Also that game a few years ago, where he was off injuried or soemthing and we were losing and he came back on and the whole team lifted and we won, that was magical.
Roos round 15 Saturday July 15 Vipes. I started a thread in a slightly inebriated state that night called Vossy. You are an absolute Champion (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255064)
and you finished the thread with this (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5458084&postcount=30)

You got that right my friend. :thumbsu:

[John]

Keep em coming Luthor.

[Vipertooth]

i hope voss doesnt take to much money seeing how he will stillbe on the vterens list coz of the salary cap

hes taking a mill or something isnt he?

[danielcanberra]

The end of an era.

I am so glad I had a chance this year to watch Vossy play.

Skipper, you were an inspiration to your players and to us all...

Go well and look after that knee of yours.

[Vipertooth]

Roos round 15 Saturday July 15 Vipes. I started a thread in a slightly inebriated state that night called Vossy. You are an absolute Champion (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255064)
and you finished the thread with this (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5458084&postcount=30)

You got that right my friend. :thumbsu:

Thanks mate :D :thumbsu:

[Jabso]

I'd like to qualify my statement by saying the term champion is thrown around way too much and we should only label players the ilk of Voss true champions.

[TheBlueblood]

One of my favorite players Vossy!!!

To bad his knees let him down, absolute champion



****hope he wants to come down to the blues as a assistant coach or something**

[Lions_Master]

I'd like to qualify my statement by saying the term champion is thrown around way too much and we should only label players the ilk of Voss true champions.

He's a legend, that's higher then a champion!

[Bobby Beecroft]

Allan Richardson getting crunched by Vossy on the Social Club side at that GABBA. Cop That!!

[Mad Dog]

no point coming up with a whole pile of cliche phrases.....it wouldn't do him justice.

The man is a champ....

...perfected the art of keeping on going .....when most couldn't keep on going.

Good luck for the future....:thumbsu:

[John]

Michael Voss is the best player I have seen.

[BrisGirl]

3) that marvellous saving mark at the crucial point late in the 2002 GF.

and when he used to have quiet words into Peverill's ear when he had his head pinned to the ground :p

[lionsrules]

one of the best players in history we will all miss u vossy:thumbsu:

[danielcanberra]

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/05/js06lions_narrowweb__300x317.jpg

[lion_gooner]

at least he had the guts to retire now unlike buckley and hird who only sit on the forward line getting easy possesions

[Mr Magoo]

Champion football player - it's a shame that injury has finally caught up with him. I wish him all the best as he was one of the fairest players that i've watched play afl.

[Vipertooth]

My Cat isnt happy after hearing about Voss :(
http://i7.tinypic.com/44bb1w9.jpg

[lionlova]

It's always sad when any player retires, but when a champion like Vossy does, it takes a while to sink in. I look forward to seeing Vossy at the club in 10 years in whatever role he decides to take on.

Good Luck for the future Vossy.
You'll be missed

[Yeah161]

Michael Voss ...

LEGEND

what a player. congrates on all the achievements.

what are they going to do with the No.3 now?

give it to a young gun? or retire it for a while?

:(

[nivek48]

Well done Vossy on a great career :thumbsu:

[The Flying Belgian]

hes taking a mill or something isnt he?

I wouldn't think so. His payout will be whatever the balance owing to him would be for three years service, the balance due because of taking less in the previous years of his contract caused by backending. Probably likely to be around $400K-500K (but that's just a guess), half of which should count under the salary cap as he'll still be on the veterans list. Make sense? Nah, doesn't to me either :D

Put it this way Vossy signs a 4 year contract worth 2 Million, but the yearly allocation of money is structured so he gets less at the beginning and more at the end. Example (and it is just that):

1st year: $200K
2nd year: $300K
3rd year: $600K
4th year: $900K

He's retiring, so he forgoes the average of $500K in the final year and takes the $400K he's owed as backpay in effect.

[The Flying Belgian]

A wormate told me the reoprt on ABC radio - even though I knew it was coming, a knot still formed in my stomach when he told me.

Still too shattered to write enough kind words about the man.....

[danielcanberra]

The right decision: Voss
Sportal
http://www.sportal.com.au/webi/space.gifhttp://www.sportal.com.au/photos/news/089328news.jpg

Inspirational Brisbane Lions skipper Michael Voss has described his decision to retire due to a chronic knee injury as 'difficult' but the 'right one'.

"Injuries have played a massive part in this decision, in particular my knee which has been the source of much frustration especially over the last 12 months," Voss said when he made his announcement at the Gabba on Friday.

"It was a difficult and tough decision but the right one."

Voss was disappointed to leave the game prematurely through injury feeling he has another couple of years left in him, but 2006 had taken its toll.

"I was completely exhausted at the end of the year physically and that led to frustration, but I left nothing on the table and got everything out of myself," he said.

"I had to find reasons for me to go on and I just couldn't find them."

Flanked by four-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews and Lions chairman Tony Kelly, Voss revealed the moment he finally came to the decision that the football world had been waiting for since the Lions' season finished at round 22.

It was the preliminary final weekend and Voss was speaking to Matthews over the phone and it became apparent to the coach that his skipper was looking for reasons to continue rather than desperately wanting to play on.

"After speaking to Leigh I got off the phone, turned to my wife (Donna) and said 'I think I just made my decision," said Voss who also revealed that his son Casey 'broke down' when told the news.

His coach paid tribute to the skipper describing him as one of the greats.

"There has been no more valuable football person," said Matthews.

"The combination of leadership, playing ability, role model and ambassador - there has been no one better in the game and I think Michael could rightly sit at the top of the heap."

The chairman also heaped praise on his long-serving skipper.

"Michael Voss has created standards that are the highest of the high," said Tony Kelly.

"It will be something that all players who come to this club should aspire to be like him."

"The standards, his influence and his inspiration is a wonderful legacy Michael Voss will leave with this football club."

Voss said he was fortunate to achieve so much in his career, but did recall the euphoria surrounding the Lions first premiership in 2001as a highlight.

"There are achievements along the way and they are the best at that time but there have been a lot of great moments for me," he said without naming any regrets he might have had."

"What I have been able to get out of the game has been amazing and the club has taught me so much more than just winning a game of football."

Voss is not sure what his immediate future holds but ruled out an assistant coaching role at 'any club' next season and hoped to remain in Brisbane.

http://www.sportal.com.au/football.asp?i=news&id=89328

[The Flying Belgian]

The 70m bomb vs Collingwood in 200 would go close.

But my fave was a game vs Sydney, maybe in 2001(?), when Wayne Schwass playfully rubbed a bit of mud into Vossy's face at a stoppage. Both players his huge grins on their faces. It was wonderful to see two players enjoying themselves out on the field like that.

Another was playing for Queensland as a 17yo (the game was remarkably televised) and Vossy tore them up and I think took a screamer for good measure.

[danielcanberra]

My Cat isnt happy after hearing about Voss :(

Aargh... that pic should be in the other thread... "my cat loves...."

[Showbag]

What a champion. I hope he involves himself in football in the future, there ain't many around like him. A model footballer on and off the ground.

[BigCat2]

He's gone. The champ.

When I was reading the news all I could think was "Voss has retired, Voss has retired..." and didn't comprehend the rest of the article.

Absolute legend of the game. I think he's one of the only few players who are respected, feared and loved by all other clubs in the AFL. Wonderful ambassador for us and the game in Queensland.

I don't think the enormity of his leaving will sink in for a while. Only when we look around in a year's time or something we will fully appreciate how special he was.

You gave your all, and then some. Enjoy your retirement Vossy. Good luck with whatever you're moving on to.

[roostersgal4eva]

Congrats for everything Vossy

At least he is bowing out on his own terms

few clubs will allow their champions this in this day and age

[MSB ROYS]

Well done on a fantastic career. It's also great to see him go out on his own terms.

[OldLion]

2002 GF last quarter - biggest game on the biggest stage. Dug as deep as anyone has in the game to get the team over the line. A true legend. It's been a priviledge.

[roostersgal4eva]

Well done on a fantastic career. It's also great to see him go out on his own terms.
Absolutly!

Few players get to do that - im glad he's one of them!

We have been blessed to have had a great player and a great leader playing for our club

Thanks Vossy :D:thumbsu:

[kimp]

Please play a role at the club next year. We need you.

[irel]

Thank you Michael

It has been a privilege and pleasure to support you through the years of pain and hardship and through the the years of happiness and unimaginable exhilaration. You led our team from the front with dignity and honor and never once did you taint the name of Brisbane Lions.
Your job with the Brisbane Lions is not finished. It never will, because till death do us part I want you to remain an integral part of our club and our lives. We await your return in five, six however long to take charge and once again take us on that magical rollercoaster ride and another Voss era.

Thank you

irel

[campbell]

2002 GF last quarter - biggest game on the biggest stage. Dug as deep as anyone has in the game to get the team over the line. A true legend. It's been a priviledge.

exactly. A ture champion captain.A true gentleman.We were lucky to have him as ours.

[sherminator]

Voss. Truly a champion of the game, he always gave 110%. It has been an honour to watch perform. I can only wish there'd be another Voss, but the plaint truth is, there'll never be another Vos, or anyone to match him.
All the best to Voss in his post-football career. I wish him all the best and would be extremely happy if he'd get a coaching job. I wouldnt be surprised if he lead a team to another Premiership as a coach.
For now I am just going to wait for it to really hit. When it does, I'll know.

Farewell Voss, you blood champion.

[TheBrownDog]

Was absolute nice guy last night too.

[Bayslions]

Vossy congratulations on what you have made of the club, you will be sadly missed on the field but hopefully you can stay around as a assistant to Lethal and help mentor the next captian(s).
Retire the jumper for a year then let the next up and comer wear it, as per Lynch's. And let them wear it with pride. Though it would be great to see one of his lads wearing it oneday.

[TheBrownDog]

I asked Jed last night whether he might be wearing the No 3 in 2008.

He said it was too much to live up to and will stick with lucky 7.

[danielcanberra]

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/05/js06lions_narrowweb__300x317.jpg
Take a bow, Skipper

[lionsrule49]

Thanks mate :D :thumbsu:
good luck Vossy thanks for the memories. You are a true champion. Just being on the ground was a memory that I will cherish. You made me very proud to say I supported and saw you play for The Mighty Lions.

[TheBrownDog]

Allan Richardson getting crunched by Vossy on the Social Club side at that GABBA. Cop That!!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/grug88/vossy2.gif

Best hit I have ever seen.

[Chasing the Dream]

The one fingered salute is my favourite moment. I am getting a chill just typing about it. Was approx 30m from him when he did that and will never forget that feeling.

Got the photo mounted and signed. Prized possession.

[scott522]

Reminiscing with him at the B & F last night - laughs and tears...

[ALwaysNorth]

He's got a highlight reel against Collingwood alone , maybe why he endeared himself to so many non Brisbane fans -

The hit on Richardson
The mark in final quarter of 2002 GF
The 70 metre drop punt in 2000 at the Gabba
The goal in response to Buckley's in time on of third quarter of 2002 GF
The full length dive at the loose ball in the first quarter of 2003 GF

My favourite "Voss" moment however was when he wasn't even there - when Luke Darcy was accepting AFLPA MVP award in 2002 (joint winner with Voss) and stating how humbling it was to be considered the MVP alongside Voss .

[danielcanberra]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5139813,00.jpg
round 3, 2006
what a cool expression!

[danielcanberra]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5153389,00.jpg
round 7, 2006

[danielcanberra]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5178932,00.jpg
round 13, 2006

[danielcanberra]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5187829,00.jpg
round 15, 2006

[danielcanberra]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5200626,00.jpg
round 17, 2006
most courageous!

[danielcanberra]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5207300,00.jpg
round 18, 2006

[danielcanberra]

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5233558,00.jpg

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5233557,00.jpg

round 22, 2006

[BrisGirl]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/grug88/vossy2.gif

Best hit I have ever seen.

This is it!!! The one moment that we speak of forever....

Can you email me the link??

My husband would be most appreciatative.

[danielcanberra]

How I knew it was time to go

Michael Voss, The Age
October 8, 2006


http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/10/07/voss_0810_narrowweb__300x350.jpg A tired but smiling Michael Voss leaves the field after what turned out to be his last AFL match - against StKilda at the Gabba in round22.
Photo: Paul Harris
It was three weeks ago that I received the sign, after three months of searching, that it was time to quit football.


There were no balloons, streamers or flashing lights. Just a phone call from Leigh Matthews. I'd met with the coach the day before to discuss my playing future and he had rung to reinforce a few things.


Essentially, he told me I shouldn't play on next year if all I felt was obligated. He said he felt I was searching for a reason to play rather then being driven by a burning passion, and that if I was taking so long to make a decision then maybe that was a sign.


He was right. He was saying to me what I'd been saying to myself for some time. In truth, I had seen the sign all along but just didn't read it well enough. I walked into the house and said to my wife, Donna: "That's it … I'm retiring."


I slept well that night. And that's more than I could say for a lot of nights before then. I changed my mind a zillion times in the weeks that followed, wondering at first if I'd rushed the decision and then whether it was the right decision. That maybe I could play one more year. After all, as I heard a zillion times, you're a long time retired.


It weighed heavily on my mind. Even when I was at home I wasn't always at home. My mind would drift off and it wasn't fair on the kids. Sometimes they'd be talking to me and I'd realise I wasn't listening.


I was flattered people wanted me to carry on. But it was the right decision because my body just won't carry me through another season. I didn't have the burning desire to try to challenge it and make it do the impossible again. The body went first and I then became mentally exhausted.


Match day generally was fine. My competitive will kicked in then. But the six days in between were tough. Even in the latter stages of 2006 they were killing me. The ice sessions Saturday night and Sunday, the recovery sessions, the weekly battle to come up. And the pain. The things people don't see beyond the white line.


I didn't have the absolutely unequivocal desperation to put myself through that any more.


I am now hoping the specialist can find a suitable knee cartilage replacement that will enhance my chances of not needing it to be replaced. Every time I play another game, I take another few months off the life span of the knee. Footy is 95 per cent about your body and my body's time is up.


But this isn't a eulogy. Yes, it's the end of 16 incredible years as an AFL player and a journey I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have made. The successes and the failures. The memories and the lessons. And the friendships.


I've been an AFL player more than half my life. Since I was still at school. My wife doesn't know me as anything but an AFL player. And turning your back on something you absolutely love is unbelievably hard.


What I have learnt as a footballer reaches far beyond the boundaries of the football field. Leadership, teamwork, character, hard work, trust, respect, professionalism, public speaking, how to push limits and test boundaries and be humble in either victory or defeat. These are all life skills that I will call on.


I guess that's why I wavered so often, wondering if I could grab one bonus season. But deep down I know I've already had three bonus seasons. In September 2003, leading sports surgeon David Young told me I should retire. I had very little cartilage on the loading area of my knee. It was basically bone on bone and there was nothing they could do.


At times I've felt disappointed my body has let me down, but you've got to make the most of what you're given. I'm proud of what I've been able to get out of myself.


For a large part of the year I struggled and wrestled with the decision, but it was round 13, sitting on the interchange bench as the Lions played Carlton at the Gabba, that thoughts of retirement really kicked in.


I played bits and pieces of the game, and for the first time asked myself "what am I doing this for?" I had pushed the limits too many times and now it was counting against me in the box. It dawned on me that my time was just about up.


I knew round 22 against St Kilda at the Gabba was probably going to be my last game. There was no big announcement because there were lots of other things to resolve, but walking around the Gabba as official retiree Brad Scott bid farewell to the fans, I got to say my goodbye and thank you. It was the closure I needed and although I didn't stand out with Brad and get carried off the ground, I thought to myself that I have had the time of my life. It was a very proud, fulfilling moment.


I'll miss the competition and everything else that goes with elite football. But most of all I'll miss the unique connection and the almost daily interaction with my teammates. You become so close over the years when you go through so much together. Its mini-warfare and you need to be able to trust the bloke next to you to do whatever it takes. And to know they feel the same trust and enjoy the same bond.


As much as I love the Brisbane Lions Football Club and desperately want to see it do well, I was only contemplating another season for the players. I wanted to be part of the redevelopment of our list, and help the younger guys achieve their goals. To share more good times with my mates.


But this was one time I had to be selfish. I had to do what was best for me and my family. I knew I couldn't play any more. And I'm enormously grateful for their support and understanding.


In the five weeks since my last game I spoke with lots of people. Family and friends, colleagues and acquaintances. I wanted to answer all the questions. No "what ifs?"


Donna said she wanted me to play on, but, like almost everyone, she told me only I could make the decision. She'd be happy either way.


Some suggested I do pre-season training and decide after Christmas, but the time was right. I had to move on so the club could move on and prepare properly for next year.


I couldn't come back in four months and say then what I know now. I wanted to be up-front and honest.


The hardest part of it all, aside from making the decision, was telling my teammates on Friday. Walking in the door a Brisbane Lion and walking out the door a past player.


So what's next? I'm not sure. I am looking forward to helping build Velocity Sports, a sports marketing-management company I share with Alastair Lynch, among others. And then there are my media commitments.


I have been a lucky man, I have played and succeeded at the highest level. The passion for the game remains and Michael Voss has not said goodbye to the greatest game in the world. Not yet.

http://www.theage.com.au/realfooty/news/michael-voss/how-i-knew-it-was-time-to-go/2006/10/07/1159641576860.html

[kimp]

Seriously, what a man. How could you ever doubt anything he says or does?

[Grimreepah]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/grug88/vossy2.gif

Best hit I have ever seen.

How many weeks would that cop nowadays:thumbsd:

[usalion]

Allan Richardson getting crunched by Vossy on the Social Club side at that GABBA. Cop That!!

Remember that one- saw it from the old Cricketers' Club- even at that distance, it was a crunching hit, and sure shut the Pies' gobs.....

Other memorable game was at 'Orrible Optus against Carlton- Vossy was injured early on- blood pouring from his head- he came back with head bandaged to lead us to victory- 98 or 99, I think....

Two not so good memories were the finals game when we hammered the Blues, but Vossy itore up his leg down at the Stanley Street end...and that terrible fall in freo...ouch.

Voss- a true champion

[lionsrule49]

good bye Vossy. Thank you for the memories. I am very proud to say that I support the mighty lions. I wish you every suceess in what ever your future holds.

[localfootyguru]

Thanks Vossy for all the great memories. An inspirational and fearless leader who in my opinion is the best player I have seen play the game in modern times.

The Lions will certainly miss your presence but hopefully one day in the future we may see him as our senior coach.

Michael Voss = Champion!!!

[localfootyguru]

Will never forget that bump - i can just imagine the outcry if that happened today (especially from those sooky Pies fans!)

Other great memories - 2001 grand final and 2002 grand final which was such a tough encounter and Voss played as a loose man in defence in the last quarter and did some inspirational things by putting his body on the line!

Too many others too mention.

Thanks for the memories Vossy!!!

[Lions43]

No doubt I could list 100, but the few that are probably most dear to me would be;

1) Copping the Scott Burns bump in the 2002 GF, then getting straight back to his feet and finding the footy to release Black for a vital goal in the 2nd quarter (and then asking Burns if that was the best he could do).

2) The 70 metre bomb in 2000 against the Pies.

3) Throwing himself headfirst and headlong at a contest early in the 2003 GF to turn a certain Collingwood possession into a ball up and thus setting the tone for the rest of the day (I still reckon his first half on 1 leg in the 2003 GF is underrated in terms of his best performances. About 18 possies on one leg when he knew he had no more than half a game in him).

4) The contested mark against 2 opponents late in the 2002 GF when the Pies looked like they might break away and get a goal.

[maroon and blue]

Many moons ago at Princes Park watching the Roys play the Bears I was on the wing and John Blakey lined up on a raw, young kid. I remember never being as angry as was that day when the kid tore John apart. He had the ball on a string, he was fast, skillful and agressive. This shouldn't have happened, Blakey beaten by a nobody. A few weeks later John was traded to North and I thought it was a good decision. As history tells us John went on to win a premiership with North and become a top player. The nobody kid who was playing maybe his first game was one Michael Voss. How wrong could I be.

[mudgeathon]

The shitmixer on Allan Richardson...Bang ****ing bang as chopper would say

[Sherman_11]

Other memorable game was at 'Orrible Optus against Carlton- Vossy was injured early on- blood pouring from his head- he came back with head bandaged to lead us to victory- 98 or 99, I think....


It was round 11 1999, it was also the 1st time i saw Brisbane win. Voss was at his brilliant best.

Apart from the moments that everyone remembers here are a few others that are at the forefront of my memory;

His demolition of Richmond in the 2001 Prelim

The way he beat Riewoldt in that one on one marking contest in his last game

The 7 goals he kicked against Adelaide in 2004