MICHAEL Stevens is set to call it quits.
The Yarrawonga champion has told teammates he has retired but the Pigeons hold onto hope the 2009 Morris medallist will change his mind during the year.
Stevens, 32, spent four seasons at J.C. Lowe Oval and won the Ovens and Murray’s highest individual honour in his first year at the club.
The tough onballer battled a hip complaint for much of last season but still managed to play an integral part in the Pigeons’ breakthrough premiership win over Albury last September, after playing in all three grand final losses to the Tigers.
Stevens, drafted by Port Adelaide with pick five in 1998, played 61 AFL matches at the Power and North Melbourne.
He is the brother of former Kangaroos’ skipper Anthony.
Stevens was a member of the Murray Bushrangers’ inaugural TAC Cup premiership in 1998 and was voted best on ground in that game.
He was also judged the Ovens and Murray’s best player in its interleague loss to the Mornington Peninsula at Frankston in 2011.
Stevens has often been regarded as the best kick in the Ovens and Murray competition.
