In the end, it was the ever-growing grind rather than a painful injury that wore Dean Cox down.
Cox, a veteran of 286 games, choked back tears on Monday as he informed his West Coast teammates of his decision to retire at the end of the season.
At the start of this year, Cox was planning to play on in 2015 in a move that would have almost certainly seem him reach the 300-game mark.
But the soon-to-be 33-year-old decided to scrap those plans after struggling to maintain his elite levels throughout numerous games this season.
“I suppose for me it was more about going through games where the grind would come really early in the match,” Cox said.
“I’ve been in grinds throughout seasons for a particular game here or there.
“But when it happens early in the first quarter, and you are just trying to get through the game, you think, ‘Maybe it might have just gone past me a little bit’.
“If I was to continue next year, I was probably doing an injustice to myself on what I’ve established throughout my career.
“Milestones haven’t ever been a factor for me.”
Cox’s impending retirement paves the way for West Coast to re-sign talented ruckman Scott Lycett.
Port Adelaide are keen to lure the 21-year-old South Australian their way, but Cox’s decision to move on means Lycett is now likely to stay put given the greater playing opportunities that await him.
The Eagles are also expected to re-sign fringe ruckman Callum Sinclair.
Cox becomes the second Eagle to retire this year, following in the footsteps of former captain Darren Glass, who was forced to hang up the boots in June due to hip and ankle injuries.
Cox will be remembered as a player who revolutionised the role of a ruckman.
When Cox first arrived at West Coast via the 2000 rookie draft, he was so unfit that the only teammate he could beat in a two-kilometre time trial was bulky full-forward Scott Cummins.
Over the coming years, Cox improved his fitness to the point where he racked up GPS figures similar to the team’s midfield brigade.
His skills were also exquisite, with the six-times All-Australian equally adept on both feet.
The 203cm ruckman played a key role in the club’s 2006 premiership success, combining brilliantly with stars Chris Judd, Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr to create one of the best midfield divisions in the competition.
Cox said his decision to retire was the hardest moment he has ever had to endure.
But he now has a coaching future to look forward to.
Cox worked part-time as West Coast’s ruck coach this season, with the role set to be expanded next year.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson spoke glowingly of Cox’s influence around the club.
“He’s the heartbeat,” Simpson said.
“He will be sorely missed. But we gain him as a coach next year.”
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
The ball hit the boundary umpire's leg and rebounded back into play, leading to debate over whether a throw-in should have been called for.
Poor Jacob Hopper just can't catch a break.
The Dees will be hoping it doesn't prove costly!
Spicy stuff at the MCG!
West Coast defender Tom Barrass will miss the Eagles' clash with Gold Coast, after the AFL Tribunal upheld his one-match suspension for a dangerous…
