RELIEF, a few tears, and now for some beers.

North Melbourne veteran Adam Simpson admitted he was looking forward to a few quiet ales this weekend, content with the knowledge that after a magnificent career spanning 16 seasons, it’s the right time to step away from the club he loves so dearly.

“I reckon I’m pretty close to that cliff that they all talk about falling off,” Simpson said following his side’s 10-point loss to Carlton on Friday night.

“I might even have been living on the edge the last couple of weeks and I think Darren’s [coach Darren Crocker] picked up on that.

“And when I went to the club with the decision [to retire] I think they understood.”

Caretaker coach Darren Crocker was pleased his man was still able to contribute against the Blues. Some of Simpson’s 20 touches were important – the midfielder even laughing at the fact he had three goal assists.

“I have three clangers, normally,” he said.

Ultimately though, one of Arden Street’s favourite sons said he was relieved his journey, that has included 306 AFL matches, two premierships and a club best and fairest, had come to an end.

“I’ve had a great ride,” he said. “I’ve been so lucky to get drafted at the end of ’93 in a team that was on the cusp of something special and to be part of that in the 90s and then to be captain of the club … I’ve got no regrets.”

It had been an emotional night, an emotional few days since his announcement to give it all away.

“I had a few tears before it [the game] for some reason,” he said.

“I’ve been waiting for it, because every person I see retire, even the great Glenn Archer … it just overwhelms you.”

Like Archer, whose final day came on foreign soil in a preliminary final in Adelaide, Simpson would bow out in a losing team.

But not through a lack of trying by he or his teammates.

“[There’s] no fairytales, no,” he said.

“I’m pretty proud of the boys though, the way they had a go. Sensational effort, really.

He was emphatic that although his club didn’t earn the four points, the day he retired might be somewhat of a watershed moment.

“We got a real good glimpse of the youth today,” he said.

He had entered the game sore after ripping his calf at training, and hobbled into the post-match press conference with ice strapped to his right calf muscle.

But he didn’t regret his decision to play. And was buoyed by the performances of some of his younger teammates, whom he addressed after the game.

“They presented me with a poster and a photo frame. They all chipped in, the North Melbourne way – everyone puts in 10 bucks and they get you something,” he said with a chuckle.

“But yeah, it was pretty emotional after the game.

“I just thanked them for their efforts tonight and spoke about how genuine the guys are, the group is. The young guys, you can see it – real honesty within the group [and] that’s something our club’s always had.

“I know we haven’t won … but you can just tell the cog’s turned a little bit in our direction.”