The former Richmond and St Kilda defender has announced his retirement after joining in 2013.

The Tigers made a Victorian-equalling 10 successive grand finals from 2009, winning seven.

Polo played in six, winning four.

As you would expect from such a golden era, Albury has had a stack of superstars, including Morris medallists Chris Hyde, Joel Mackie and Shaun Daly.

"Dean's as good as any at Albury, without a doubt," co-coach Luke Daly suggested.

"From what's he's given our club, in terms of, number one as a person, and also on the field, is unbelievable."

Unless the O and M can overcome COVID and re-start the season, the 35-year-old will finish on 133 games and 100 goals.

"He's the best player I've played with in the O and M and is the most reliable player I played with," former SANFL star Brayden O'Hara offered of his great mate.

"Before I signed I watched Albury play Yarrawonga and I'll never forget Dean standing in the hole of front of 'Fev' (Yarrawonga superstar Brendan Fevola) and I reckon he took 12 intercept marks."

Daly said that mentality highlighted Polo's unselfishness.

"He had played AFL and only been at the club a short time and for him to turn around and say, 'I'm willing to do that', it was uplifting and showed what he was prepared to do for his team-mates," he explained.

Polo started in the midfield, but also played in defence and forward.

"His biggest strength was his versatility, he'd win the inside contest and then be 15m forward of the ball, receiving a handball and driving it forward," Yarrawonga rival Tyler Bonat said.

Polo also played Victoria Country.

"He's got very good awareness, I think the number of times he's been caught in possession would be the lowest percentage in his time in the league," Daly revealed.

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"He's got the best set of hands, never backed out of a contest and it's like time stands still with the footy."

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