After 124 games in North Melbourne colours, Scott McMahon has said his final farewell to Arden St.
The 29-year-old was not offered a new deal at the end of the season, and will now move back to his home state of South Australia.
For McMahon, a favourite among teammates and Roos staff, saying goodbye was never going to be easy.
“I think the main feeling... it probably is sadness,” McMahon told NMFC.com.au.
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“I’ve been here for 11 years and it’s been my life, my work life – but also looking forward to the next stage, moving back to SA with my young family and see what comes of that.”
Whenever a player reaches the 100 game milestone, their number is etched in history in the changerooms, added to the front of the locker.
And the man nicknamed “Loose” has the honour of being the first name written under the number 42 at Arden St, something he is extremely proud of and a piece of history that can never be taken away.
“I had the opportunity to change numbers and I never did because my name is the only one on there, and I wanted to be the first one on locker,” he said.
“I don’t think many people will get back on 42, everyone thinks they need a low number to achieve anything or you carry around extra weight.
“I know I’m leaving the club, but I’ll always be part and parcel of the club because of the name on the locker which is a massive thing for me.”
And his best memory in the royal blue and white?
“Your first game, 50th, 100th, are always up there, but my most memorable game is probably the final against Hawthorn in 2007. Just playing at the MCG in front of a big crowd and obviously getting a win.”
With McMahon moving back to Adelaide, ‘retirement’ is not a word that he will contemplate in the near future.
“I bought a house back there (SA) five months ago, so we’ll just move back there and if nothing else pops up AFL wise, then I’ll go back and play SANFL footy and hopefully continue on the coaching pathway I’ve started.”
There is no doubt his humour, wit and vocal nature on the footy field will be missed at Arden St.