Luckless Bulldogs veteran Josh Bruce has called time on his 12-year AFL career after an ACL injury cut yet another campaign short.
The 31-year-old announced that while he would hang up the boots on Tuesday, he wouldn't be lost to the game, with a role in mind on the other side of the boundary line.
“I moved out of home at 17 to Sydney as a skinny, hyperactive little kid and I'm finishing here as a not-so-skinny, still hyperactive grown man, with two beautiful kids,” Bruce said via a club statement.
“I can rest my head on the pillow knowing that every gruelling pre-season session, every rehab session and every game at three clubs, I gave my absolute everything.
“I hope I finish with the respect of my peers and coaches for being a resilient, effort-based, hard-working team-mate who never gave up for the team.
“The move to the Bulldogs has been one of the most defining moments of my life. I've got so many connections through Rohan Smith coaching me at U16's level, living with Stewart Edge in my first year at GWS and time spent with Ameet Bains at St Kilda.
“It's fitting to finish up here and I look forward to exploring some coaching opportunities into the future.”
The Canberran's career commenced in Round 5 of the 2012 season, playing as a defender for the Giants against the Bulldogs at his native Manuka Oval.
After just 13 more games, however, Bruce would make the shift to St Kilda before breaking out as a key forward, slotting 168 goals in his 99 games in red, white and black.
Bruce arrived at the Whitten Oval ahead of the COVID-capped 2020 season, and while he would turn out for the Dogs in a final against St Kilda at the Gabba, the defender again bows out without the ultimate prize.
The Bruce-less Bulldogs will press their claims for a finals pass this Saturday night when they travel down the highway to face Geelong at Kardinia Park in a must-win clash.