Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has hailed retiring Heath Scotland as the embodiment of hard work, as an ankle injury finally put a stop to the veteran's 268-game AFL career.
Scotland was on Tuesday placed on the Blues' long-term injury list, where he will remain for the rest of the season.
The 33-year-old confirmed the round-seven clash with Collingwood, fittingly between the two clubs he played for, would be his last.
"I was hoping I could play one more year and it's just becoming too much - physically, emotionally and mentally - to get myself up to play," Scotland said.
"I pride myself on being a hard worker and hard trainer - my body was giving me the signs (it was time to retire).
"I was struggling to get up and down stairs.
"I can't go out there and push myself to the standard required and what the boys deserve."
Malthouse coached Scotland in two grand finals before he left the Magpies at the end of the 2003 season, seeking more midfield opportunities.
"When he moved, I would have said `yep he'd probably play another 100 games'," Malthouse said.
"It's testament to his courage and professionalism that he's got to (268).
"He's a great role model."
Scotland, watched on by wife Alisha and their two children, Carlton's current squad and off-field staff including president Stephen Kernahan, thanked a series of figures including his personal boxing coach.
It was one of many examples of the lengths Scotland went to extract all of his potential in 16 seasons.
"He just works so hard," Malthouse said.
"He becomes an instant back-up to a coach, you can say `that's how it's done. Go and see how he trains and the effort he puts in'.
"(For example) Heath in the early 2000s was an average left-foot kick.
"By mid-2000s everyone says `I think he's a left foot, no he's a right foot'."
Scotland is helping coach Vic Country at this year's under-18 national championships and said he had a desire to pursue coaching.
The utility was also keen to have an active role in Carlton's 2014 campaign, even if he wouldn't be able to contribute on the field.
Scotland laughed as he recalled his debut, when his car stereo was stolen as he played against West Coast at Victoria Park in 1999.
But he was reduced to tears while thanking his wife for her support, and admitted he "couldn't get a word out" when he told teammates of his retirement.
"Sixteen years has gone in a blink of an eye," he said.
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