THURGOONA star Lucas Mellier has made the tough decision to retire immediately.
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Mellier missed a large chunk of the season after he suffered a fractured shin just below the knee and tore his meniscus in round 2.
The classy ball-winner overcame the setback to play reserves against Kiewa Sandy Creek in round 12.
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He has played the past three matches in the seniors.
"After missing three months of football, I couldn't regain my fitness levels to play to the standard I wanted," Mellier said.
"My body wouldn't let me get the workload in that I needed to play finals and contribute.
"I didn't want to be a liability to the side during the finals series.
"So I've made the hard decision to retire.
"It was a tough decision after 20 years of senior football including 12 at Thurgoona."
Mellier has played 197 matches for the Bulldogs and more than 300 during his career.
