In his own words, Dom Cassisi lived the dream.
The former Port Adelaide captain and premiership veteran will retire from the AFL after Sunday's match against Melbourne.
Cassisi made the surprise announcement on Thursday that his decorated career would end with a farewell match at Adelaide Oval.
A club statement praised Cassisi for his professional decision to move on now for the much-vaunted next generation of Power players.
But earlier at the club's Alberton Oval training base, the gutsy utility showed the emotion involved with finishing a 14-year journey.
Telling teammates of his decision to end after one last hurrah, Cassisi stopped often as feeling took over.
"It's been an unbelievable 14 years ... coming in here every day," he said, choking back tears.
"I'm just really proud to be able to play for one club."
"I've loved every minute of the journey ... I've been honoured to wear the number one jumper for the club and be captain.
"The feeling you get when you put on the jumper, it's unbelievable, you can't describe it.
"It's something I'll always cherish ... I just can't thank the club enough."
The 31-year-old, who was Port's captain from 2009 to 2012, believed the time was right to retire as he was struggling to overcome niggling injuries.
"I've gone into games a bit sore and the pace of the game, I'm just battling," he said.
Footage of the private address to players was given to the AFL 360 television program, where he also revealed that he had already decided this season would be his last.
"We had a chat pretty early on in the year, probably round six, seven, eight, where we knew it was going to be my last year," he said.
Power coach Ken Hinkley said Cassisi's decision was selfless.
"For him, it's all about what is best for Port Adelaide," Hinkley said in a statement.
"Dom's decision is about giving a younger player an opportunity as he feels it's the right thing for the team."
Cassisi will retire with 228 AFL games, a 2004 premiership medal, and four Fos Williams medals awarded for the club's best team man.
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