Tears were flowing as the remarkable 18-year career of Docker David Mundy came to a heartbreaking end at the MCG on Saturday night.
Mundy’s hopes of a fairytale finish were dashed when Fremantle crashed out of the finals race with a 20-point loss to Collingwood in the semi final.
As wife Sally openly cried on the sidelines, tears streaming down her face, Mundy was consoling his young son Hudson who was crying on the field.
Watch every AFL final until the Grand Final Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Getting down to his son’s level, Mundy provided comfort to Hudson in beautiful post-match scenes.
“He’s been a great loyal servant to the Fremantle Football Club,” commentator Hamish McLachlan said.
“A long time he’s been there, he’s been a constant – the man they turn to.”
Remarkably of the 18 AFL coaches, 13 were still playing when David Mundy made his AFL debut back in 2005.
Mundy leaves the game after 376 games – all in purple such was his loyalty to the Dockers since arriving from Seymour.
“He gave the club so much … (there’s) respect from his teammates, his coaches, the whole football community,” McLachlan said.
“Thank you for the memories.
“He’s been brilliant throughout.”
Mundy, who has racked up more miles than any other player in competition history, was still one of his side’s best in the semi final at the age of 37.
He finished his final match with 18 disposals, four intercepts, three clearances, three tackles and a brilliant final quarter goal.
“Only Craig Bradley, Dustin Fletcher and Michael Tuck have been best and fairest on the podium at their club at an older age,” McLachlan revealed.
Mundy was chaired off by teammates Griffin Logue and Alex Pearce in emotional scenes as both sides formed a guard of honour in front of the 90,000 fans at the MCG.
Speaking after the match, Mundy laughed when asked what was next in retirement.
“Hudson just asked me what I’m gonna be doing for a job now, and I don’t know yet. We’ll have to figure that one out,” he said.
“It’s been an incredible ride and it’s come to an end.”
