We all know the last match is coming Mayne to retire at seasons end

Collingwood veteran Chris Mayne has told teammates this season will be his last.

The 32-year-old broke the news to teammates at training on Tuesday, joining Levi Greenwood in retirement at season’s end.

Chris Mayne will hang up his boots at season’s end.Credit:Simon Schluter

“The time is right, personally and professionally,” Mayne told the club’s website.

“From a family perspective, Britt and I have two young children and we want them to settle and share more time with our families in Perth. From a football perspective, I don’t feel that I can squeeze much more out of myself.

“I still love the game and want to continue trying to get a kick at some level next year, but at the highest level I recognise it’s getting tougher, not easier.”

Mayne will fall short of the 250-mark, having played 245 games to date across two clubs. He played 172 at Fremantle, where he booted 196 goals, making his name as a sharp-shooting set shot kick in 2012 when he kicked 39.7, and then again in 2013 in the Dockers’ grand final season, slotting 37.12.

He moved to Collingwood on a four-year deal at the end of 2016 as a free agent but played just three games in his first season at the Pies, maligned for his lack of output.

Mayne’s position at the club was being debated, with consternation over the process that led to him receiving a four-year deal and the contract terms with then Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley creating controversy when he said on SEN at the end of 2017 there were a few matters in relation to his recruitment that were not ideal.

Magpies skipper Scott Pendlebury reassured Mayne he was valued by his teammates and the assistant coaches provided great support as Mayne re-invented himself into a reliable, defensive winger.

He had a terrific season in 2018 to play a crucial role in helping the Magpies into the decider, where he was among Collingwood’s best players and close to best on ground at half-time in that match against the Eagles.

On the eve of the 2019 preliminary final, he told The Age: “There can be some dark moments and dark days but ... if you have got a great work ethic, great attitude, and you are willing to open yourself up to everyone around you, anything is possible”.

After he earned another contract for 2021, a number of concussions denied Mayne from reaching the 250-game milestone, but his courage will not be forgotten by Pies fans.

“We all know the last match is coming. I didn’t want to be caught short or unprepared,” Mayne said.

“I hope that I can pass on my experiences as a player, at two wonderful clubs, in some fashion. As I said, I still love the game.”

Chris Mayne will be remembered for his courage at the Pies.Credit:Getty Images

Collingwood reported a future career in coaching possibly beckons for Mayne. He will complete a teaching degree next year, has completed a diploma in youth counselling, and has graduated from the Level 3 AFL coaching course and the AFL List management course.

Collingwood footy manager Graham Wright paid tribute to Mayne.

“‘Mayney’ leaves us with everyone wishing him, Britt and their children the very best. He gave all he had and we can’t ask for more from any player,” Wright said.

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Damien Ractliffe is the Chief Racing Reporter for The Age.

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