Nathan Grima

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

An ankle injury he has been unable to overcome has forced Cats' ruckman Hamish McIntosh to retire, effective immediately. He will undergo surgery soon and admitted the days leading to his announcement had been a bit emotional and that his decision was sad. McIntosh said "It's sad ... I've been a bit of a mess ... it's been an amazing journey ... for 13 years for ... North Melbourne and here. It's been a ball, it's been so much fun ... ".

McIntosh, 30, was originally drafted by North Melbourne in 2002 but was hampered by injuries in his first two seasons. He finally made his debut early in 2005.

Brook “Boris” Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA

Richmond came into the Round 15 match against the Kangaroos aiming for a fifth successive win for the first time in 13 years. The Kangaroos were hell bent on turning around the frustrating form that had seen them lose six games by a margin of 16 points or less. For Brad Scott and his boys it was a must win game if North Melbourne were to stay in the hunt for a Finals berth. Missing from the Tiger line up was the injured Ivan Maric, while Kangaroo Lindsay Thomas had been given a self-imposed holiday for his mini head b*tt against the Giants in Round 14.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Kevin Sheedy coached his 650th game in Round 16. He coached Essendon in 635 games 1981-2007. The leading ten coaches in the game’s history are Jock McHale (714 games with Collingwood), Michael Malthouse (664 games with Footscray, West Coast and Collingwood), Kevin Sheedy (650 games with Essendon and the GWS Giants), Allan Jeans (575 games with St Kilda, Hawthorn and Richmond), Tom Hafey (522 games with Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong and the Sydney Swans), David Parkin (518 games with Hawthorn, Carlton and Fitzroy), Ron Barassi (515 games with Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans), Leigh Matthews (461 games with Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions), Norm Smith (449 games with Fitzroy, Melbourne and South Melbourne) and Dick Reynolds (415 games with Essendon).