It was this week announced that Scott Jamieson, Melbourne City’s all-time most appeared player, will be hanging up the boots following Saturday’s Grand Final.
He spoke with media on Monday and here are all of the key talking points!
Click here to watch the full press conference.
WHY WAS NOW THE RIGHT TIME?
“Up until two or so months ago, the club and myself were looking at playing another year and going in that direction, then this opportunity to move into the next phase of my life proposed itself to me.
“It was then just summing it all up in the bigger picture. I’ve looked at all of that and the decision of finishing up this week is the outcome.”
HIS NEW COACHING ROLE
“I’ll be on the Men’s (coaching) staff and it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come around often.
“I don’t know if I’ve seen it much apart from Musky (Kevin Muscat), so I know it’s a hell of an opportunity and it’s something that I’ve not taken lightly.
“It’s also one that I believe I’ve got the tools and capabilities to do well and to learn and really to help assist the coach in Rado, but also continue to try and help the players.”
GOING OUT ON A HIGH NOTE
“I’m a keen follower of all sports and I’ve seen it from the success stories like Cooper Cronk at the Sydney Roosters for one, or there’ll be many others that have had their last game and lost.
“I’m under no illusions that just because it’s my final game, it gives us an edge or an advantage. It doesn’t, and it doesn’t come into the 90 or 120 minutes that’s played on on Saturday night.
“It would be a dream if it did finish the way I’d like it to finish, but nothing about Saturday night changes.”
DOES HE FEEL LIKE A ‘LEGEND’ OF THE CLUB?
“No. It’s humbling to be able to be called a legend but that’s for other people to say and not me.
“It does get me a bit emotional, but yeah, I’ve just tried my best and if that’s translated and people appreciate me, then I’m glad.”
IS MELBOURNE CITY HOME?
“I see Melbourne City as home. It’s special to have that attachment to a great club and group of people.
“My son now is a fan; he loves Melbourne City.
“Having been here for a long time and the achievements we’ve had as a club and being a part of it all, it is home.“
THE TOUGHEST PART OF RETIRING…
“He’s (Cooper) only three years old and I’ll never be that parent that pushes him – but he loves football.
“The journey my son and I have started now – him talking about going on the pitch, kicking balls and playing for Melbourne City. I don’t know if he’ll be old enough to register that I’m not playing anymore.
“That’s the hardest part I think. The most gut-wrenching thing will be the first time he says I don’t play anymore.
“He has said I’ve been on the bench a few times. ‘Papa sits down,’ he says, so he understands a few things, but that’s the toughest part. Hudson’s not old enough – he’s only one – but Cooper is.”
BEST MEMORIES
“To be able to win a trophy and win a first Grand Final for myself, but also the club, was a hell of a night and something that I will forever remember.
“But carrying my sons out three months ago is something that I’ll probably have as the biggest highlight. They are photos and videos that we’ll have forever.”
