An emotional Kane Arendarcikas says the need for Generation Next and family was behind his decision to step down from first grade.
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The 42-year-old made the announcement in the dressing room following the loss to North Albury after battling a knee complaint this season - 18 years after a reconstruction.
The all-rounder's standing was highlighted when a number of players teared up.
"The kids (Max and Grace) are growing up, their sport's starting to take over and the commitment at my age to try and keep up to a certain level without being carried along by these guys is just too great," he said.
"What we saw over the weekend proved a point to me, they don't need my anymore, I'm only going to be a burden at some stage and I'd rather not do that, I'd go out with a little bit left."
And the left-arm off-spinner showed that, snaring 2-9 from 10 overs against North, during a career boasting 5203 runs and 516 wickets.
"I'd love to hang around, help out the seconds, third grade, whatever, I've got two nephews coming through, (coach) James's (Kreutzberger) boys and my son, if I hang around long enough, he's nine."
And it was fitting his last two top grade games were at Wodonga and North.
"My last game with Braedon Hensel was at Wodonga's drawn grand final (2013-14) and we had a 150-run partnership at Bunton Park in a final," he said.
"I have always felt closer to him every time I've played at those venues."
The likeable Braedon was a popular clubman, who died from cancer in June, 2014.
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