It was wholesome, it was honest and it was funny as Scott Neville reflected on his farewell match in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
Neville came off the bench in the second half as the 36-year-old became just the 11th player in the competition’s 20-year history to reach the 300-game mark.
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It brought down the curtain on an 18-year career that featured four Grand Final appearances and one Premiership across stints with the Roar, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory and Western Sydney.
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Asked for his initial emotion with his nephew stood by his side during the interview with Paramount+, Neville replied with a smile: “Relief. Just to get on.
“I had a pair of boots that said 300 on them and everyone was saying congrats on 300, so just worried about getting on which was good.
“But not having to run anymore, track back… it will be good not to do a pre-season again.”
Neville and his wife are expecting his baby as he prepares for life after football.
While he could “put the boots on and drop down a level”, the veteran is focused on his coffee shop and finishing his university degree.
It comes after Neville revealed the moment he knew it was time to retire.
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“Probably last year when I tore my ACL,” said Neville. “I said I as done then but came back and defied the odds.
“During the rehab, I was a bit tentative but people said I was flying, you’re doing so well. I’m naturally pretty fit and I think it covered a lot of things. Then when I got back, I felt good again and people said I was flying, flying.
“But deep down, the love going to training every day… that was the moment for me. When it became a bit of a chore and I’m icing my body before sessions. That’s when I think question marks began to arise.”
