Angus Brayshaw provided one of the highlights of the AFL Brownlow Medal count, giving an emotional speech about what he's learned since being forced out of the game.
The 2021 Melbourne premiership star offered a toast during the Monday night function to this season's retiring players.
Brayshaw, 28, was forced to retire earlier this year on medical grounds before the season started, after several head knocks.
He had been most recently concussed in a clash with Collingwood's Brayden Maynard at the start of last year's qualifying final and it proved to be the last of his 167 senior games.
While Brayshaw said no longer being an AFL player is tough, there are consolations.
"I'm not going to lie, the absence of football has left a very deep void," he said.
"Days that were planned to the minute and filled with purpose need to be replaced, and in time they will be.
"Football is all consuming, no matter how long your career was, how successful it was, or even how well you prepared for the next stage; the transition is difficult, and there seems no easy way around it.
"Having said that, I think it's really important on nights like this to reflect on what we've all achieved as a group.
"We, the retiring class of 2024, should be incredibly proud.
"We all achieved our dreams to varying degrees, which is a privilege we should never lose sight of. Equally as important is casting an eye to the future and the truth, surprisingly, is that there's a life after football — which is a relief."
Brayshaw added it was "a bit awkward" that he was making a toast on behalf of a group that includes him, but he felt honoured to do so.
He will also speak at the Melbourne best and fairest count early next month.
The Demons finished out of the finals this season and they clearly missed Brayshaw's leadership.
Angus Brayshaw was a fixture on the Demons bench. (Getty Images: AFL Photos/Dylan Burns)
Brayshaw noted that this year's retirees include Geelong great Tom Hawkins, but also Western Bulldogs teenager Aiden O'Driscoll.
Like Brayshaw, O'Driscoll also had to retire on medical grounds because of concussion — but it happened before he could make his AFL debut.
There was a lighter moment when Brayshaw mentioned Richmond star Dustin Martin, who might extend his playing career at Gold Coast.
"I checked before I came up here and he's still officially retired," Brayshaw joked.
Brayshaw said he had a "head start" on the other retirees this year offering a couple of pointers to those approaching .
"While I'm at it; a bit of free advice," Brayshaw added.
"The first is to keep your friends and family close, and be kind to yourself through the ups and downs. It's certainly not going to be easy all the time, but the virtues that football has instilled in us will hold us in good stead for what's to come.
"The retiring class of 2024 gave so much to the game, and will be sorely missed, but the legacy that we have left won't soon be forgotten. From club captains, to premiership heroes, future hall of famers, and players who gave us moments that we will look back on forever.
"On behalf of the group, I would also like to say a massive thank you to this great game, and to all of those who work tirelessly — often without recognition — to allow us to go out and do what we have done.
"And most of all, a massive thank you to our families and to our loved ones, who have sacrificed continuously to help us along our journey. It is my incredible privilege to count myself a member of this group, and a true honour to represent and toast it tonight.
"Our playing careers have ended and there are feelings of sadness, grief, uncertainty, anger and anxiety, no doubt.
"But as the playing door closes on us, so many others stand ready for us, as we transition from this rigid and structured existence into the great unknown.
"I sincerely hope that everyone in the retiring class of 2024 finds something that provides them with the passion and the purpose that I derive from playing AFL."
AAP/ABC