Geelong Cats: Isaac Smith began to seriously ponder retirement while in the team bus on the way to a game at the SCG

Four-time premiership player Isaac Smith had a "bit of a moment" on the team bus en route to a game in Sydney in late June and began to seriously consider retirement.

In a meeting with Geelong CEO Steve Hocking and list manager Andrew Mackie on Monday afternoon, Smith, 34, announced his retirement from the AFL after 277 games. Smith cited realizing it was a "young man's game" and a few injuries as reasons for his decision.

The club pest," who takes great satisfaction in ribbing senior coach Chris Scott, has remarked that he tries to put himself in the position of an older mentor and follow their advice.

"I feel like the club has decisions to make over the next two or three years with the list," Smith said on Thursday morning at Kardinia Park.

I could help them decide more quickly.

"I've had a fantastic career... There is nothing else I would have wanted.

But Smith said the decision to retire finally came to him before a round 16 game against Sydney, and he was sitting next to the four AFL premiership cups he helped win during periods with both Hawthorn and Geelong.

"I'm not sure if I should be sharing this because we've got a couple of games left," Smith added with his signature grin.

We were on our way to a game in Sydney when we passed the Light Brigade, a bar in Paddington.

To paraphrase one witness, "I observed a few people in there having fun, and I thought: 'I wouldn't mind doing that myself.

"That was probably a little bit of a moment."

Smith walked straight to coach Chris Scott's office on Monday after his meeting with Hocking and Mackie.

Smith speculated, "I think he was a little bit shocked."

"It was nice to hear that instead of, 'About time, mate, we've been trying to figure out how to get you out,'" the man said.

"That was a lovely moment we shared; I'll always remember it."

Scott, who was sitting next to Smith on Thursday morning, said he had been following the progress of the towering left-footer intently ever since he was hired as the Cats coach in late 2010.

His first assignment saw him traveling to Ballarat to meet with recruiter Stephen Wells and candidate Adam Smith.

Scott reported that Smith would always answer the door without shoes on.

After coming so close to signing Smith, Scott admitted it was "painful" to see Smith's career blossom. "That was symbolic of the approach Isaac's taken to his footy," Scott said.

"In my opinion, he could have continued to play" (beyond 2024).

Scott, though, noted that the "bit of symmetry" will be broken towards the end of 2020, when the Cats will finally get their man.

Scott believes the 2022 Norm Smith medalist can be fiercely competitive and ruthless while still maintaining a "relaxed, authentic" image and will leave a legacy at two AFL clubs.

He said, "He's never lost that."

Upon entering, he cracks a joke about the coach that only he could get away with saying.

Whether things are going well or not, he just can't seem to stop grinning.

Smith revealed that his loved ones were just as taken aback by his decision as he was: "I thought: 'Sh*t, did I make the correct decision?'

My wife and I were happy with our lives.

The fact that it caught some people off guard meant I could go on my own terms rather than being pushed out.

For as long as I can remember, that's been a goal of mine.

"There won't be anyone else in the club who enjoys taking the mickey out of Scotty as much as I do."

Even though he was still doing well, he knew in his heart that it was the right decision to go.

Those three years have been "challenging," "I've learned a hell of a lot," and "I couldn't have asked for a better three years," he remarked.

I'm hoping to carry that with me into the next stage of my life.

"Even though football can be quite difficult at times, I've made an effort to maintain a positive attitude at all times.

"I've tried to be myself and keep a smile on my face whether I was feeling happy, anxious, scared, excited, or angry."

Smith has stated that he will wait for the smoke to clear before deciding on his next professional step.

I can honestly say that I can't wait for what's to come," he remarked.

I've come to the conclusion that this is the best course of action. That's still excellent enough to play at the AFL level.

I'm pretty elated and excited about it.

Isaac Smith calls time on AFL career

Isaac Smith, winner of the Norm Smith Medal, will retire from the AFL after the 2023 season.

Smith, who has played for both Hawthorn and Geelong and won four premierships, will retire at the end of the Cats' playoff run.

An ideal job, he added, was all he ever wanted.

For him, the opportunity to play AFL football for 13 seasons with two great teams is "something really special." "I am so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play AFL football," he added.

Both in Hawthorn and now at Geelong, "I have always felt right at home" and "have made some very special friendships and bonds with a lot of people."

The Hawks selected Smith with the nineteenth overall pick in the 2010 National Draft, and he went on to help the team win three consecutive championships between 2013 and 2015.

He debuted with Hawthorn in game seven of the 2011 season, against Port Adelaide, and went on to play 210 games for the Hawks before being traded to Geelong at the end of the 2020 season.

Smith has appeared in 67 of the Cats' 70 games, scoring 39 goals and contributing to a 68.65 percent winning percentage.

During the Cats' 81-point victory over Sydney in 2022, he set a record by collecting 32 disposals, 12 marks, and three goals en route to being the oldest player to win the Norm Smith Medal.

Smith's team-first mentality and football understanding, according to Geelong's general manager of football, Simon Lloyd, will be sorely missed.

Isaac's "strong mindset," "competitive nature," and "balanced perspective on life and the game" have made him an integral part of the Club since he first stepped foot in the Cattery, he said.

"Over his three seasons at the Cats, we have been blessed to have Isaac wear the Geelong hoops. He is an exceptional person, and the energy he brought to the Club will be sorely missed."