It was wholesome, it was honest and it was funny as Scott Neville reflected on his farewell match in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The Brisbane Roar stalwart suited up for his 300th and final appearance in Friday night’s 1-0 loss to Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium.
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.
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.
“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.
“Probably last year when I tore my ACL,” said Neville. “I said I as done then but came back and defied the odds.
“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.”
