Wodonga recruit Zac Brain announces retirement effective immediately due to concussion

The former Barooga coach announced to the playing group before Saturday's thrilling three-point loss to Albury that it would be his last match.

Brain recovered from horrendous facial fractures while playing for Northern Territory league outfit Nightcliff before he joined Wodonga this season, but told The Border Mail last month he was one more hit away from retirement.

Wodonga president Mauro Stefani said Bulldogs are indebted to what Brain has brought to the table in his short time at the club.

"He's probably one of the most courageous players at the club and has brought a new dimension of toughness to our club," Stefani said.

"Unfortunately with that and the way he actually plays, he's had one too many knocks.

"There's just too much media going around and evidence of what happens if players don't start looking after themselves.

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"We've got a certain culture we're trying to bring into the club and if we've going to be true to our culture, this is the support we're providing."

Brain was ultimately denied the fairytale finish as Wodonga coach Jordan Taylor hit the post moments before the final siren as Albury held on for victory.

"When anyone makes a decision like that, it's extremely difficult, but we gave him a proper send off and made the day special for him," Stefani said.

"In return he made the day special for us about how he went about playing and the boys around too.

"To be brutally honest, even by losing the game, we won a lot of hearts. We won the respect of our members and the crowd."

Brain was suspended in his last appearance for two matches.

He will stay on board as mentor and coach at Wodonga for the remainder of the Ovens and Murray season.

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