With the obvious exceptions – being the 2003 Grand Final wins and ‘that’ milestone match against Geelong in 2013 – McGrath has generally kept his emotions in check.
However, the retiring 31-year-old admitted that he struggled to fight back the tears as the final siren sounded on his 214-game career last Sunday.
“With about five minutes to go I got the lump in my throat, and I was dreading the last siren,” McGrath told LionsTV immediately after his swansong.
“When I kicked that goal, all the boys came over and it made me feel a bit better.
“When the final siren went, I had to fight it, but I think I did pretty well.”
It was evident, particularly late in the final quarter, that McGrath’s teammates were determined to get the ball in the Life Member’s hands as much as possible – with his final quarter goal a highlight.
“I kicked one goal three and one out on the full. I would have loved to kick four straight, but it just wasn’t my game,” McGrath said.
“I enjoyed the day, and it will be something that I’ll look back on.
“I loved playing out there, and I’ll look back on the last 14 with fond memories.”
