Read Ash McGrath's last ever 'Ooh Aah' column, completed just days before he announced his retirement. 

Hey Ash, we know how often you mention Joel Patfull in your column. Surely you two are best of mates at the Club? Who else left are you close to?
Joshua Schultz – Balwyn North, VIC

I count Joel Patfull as a mate, but if you probably ask him, he’ll probably say that I’m a terrible bloke.

I’m close with a lot of the boys, so hopefully we all stay friends.

Who's your tip to win rookie of the year at the Lions?
Josh Suggett, Warnambool, VIC

Geez, there are a lot to choose from.

I’ll put my money on young ‘Squizzy’ Taylor.

When is our next premiership?
Michael Carney – Perth, WA

I’ll think we’re still a bit away. You’ve got to make the Finals before you can start thinking about premierships.

Hopefully it’s not too far away for the Club.

Hi Boonji! What sort of player do you think we should target in the draft this year as a priority?
Rohan A – Adamstown, NSW

I don’t know. Maybe we could go for another forward or a key back.

Hopefully we can get one while we can, and groom him into becoming a 10-15 year player for the Club.

What was it like to play with and against Aker?
Daniel McKenna-Reid – Melbourne, VIC

Aker was a great player to play with. Everyone knows what he can do on the field – left foot or right foot. He did plenty of special things on the footy field.

I remember his 2003 Grand Final, when he kicked five goals. It was a toss-up between him and Blacky for the Norm Smith.

He also brought the best out of me when I played against him. I knew what type of player he was, so knew I had to be on my game.

How is it different now having your former team mate in Simon Black (last year a player) as one of the coaches this year?
Campbell Jones – Perth, WA

I don’t know, we don’t really get to see Blacky much. He doesn’t get out on the dance floor as much as he used to as a player.

Ash I met a bloke by the name of Al Moody the other day who said he use to coach you in juniors. He said you were always trying to better yourself by doing extras. What’s the best thing a junior can do to better his footballing skills.
Robby Farmer – Perth, WA

Al Moody used to be my coach in the juniors.

Back in the day I always loved having the football in my hands – whether it was at school, or after school, I was always kicking the footy around, having shots at goal, or pretending I was an AFL player.

It also helped that I had a few brothers that also loved playing footy.

Hi Ash. Great to see you back in the senior team.
I was just wondering if there were any good (maybe funny) nicknames going around the Club?
Reuben Coleman – Bundaberg, QLD

We call Andrew Raines ‘Tranny’ – but I’ll let you guys figure that one out for yourself.