AFL finals 2022: David Mundy says goodbye to Fremantle Dockers in moving post-game moments

And just like that, it is over.

Fremantle star David Mundy received a standing ovation and guard of honour from both teammates and opponents after his illustrious AFL career came to an end following the club’s 20-point semi final loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

The home of football was the venue for Mundy’s debut in 2005 and that 19-year-old with dreams in his eyes could never have imagined he’d end his career in 2022 with 376 games, 16 finals, one grand final, an All-Australian jacket, Doig Medal and the Fremantle captaincy.

“It was an incredible experience,” Mundy told Channel 7.

“Clearly 18 years in the system of playing AFL and a year in the WAFL before that has been an incredible ride. It’s come to an end but the Fremantle group is really well placed to take this club forward.”

We’ve known about Mundy retiring for weeks. He’s been farewelled by Dockers fans during both their last home-and-away game in Perth and during their home final.

When he announced his retirement, Mundy said he wanted six more wins. Mundy even signed a footy after last week’s win over the Western Bulldogs and wrote “three more wins” but the dream of finishing with a flag has eluded most players throughout AFL history.

Camera Icon David Mundy shared this touching moment with son Hudson after the game. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images Camera Icon And was accompanied by his family in the walk down to the rooms. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Of the 21 men to have played 350 games, only Michael Tuck’s last game was a premiership.

Mundy has finished in eighth place for the most games played and his 376 game club record will take some catching.

Freo’s other 200-gamers Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters need to play for eight more years to overtake him. That’s not going to happen.

Crazily, Andrew Brayshaw is the most likely challenger and he only played his 100th game against the Magpies. The midfielder is more than 12 months younger than Mundy was when he reached the same milestone.

Mundy did his best to lift his team. The veteran’s chase down tackle on Patrick Lipinski in the first quarter is what finals wins are built on.

Then his centre clearance to start the second quarter resulted in a set shot and goal for Lachie Schultz.

His goal on the run with about 10 minutes remaining was a fitting way to finish. Michael Walters’ reaction to leap into his arms showed what it meant to his long standing teammate.

Mundy’s final game produced 18 disposals, three clearances and his goal. But the team couldn’t give him the win he needed.

Camera Icon David Mundy kicked one last goal for Fremantle in the final term. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I think we just failed to execute the basics in the contest,” he said.

“We were probably overawed by the occasion to be honest, quite a few of us. In those kinds of environments against a quality opposition like Collingwood,it doesn’t take much to give them a sniff.”

More than 90,000 people watched his final game. The throng included family who travelled from Perth.

Mundy’s son Hudson quickly ran onto the field to be with his dad after the siren as his wife Sally shed tears on the boundary line.

“Hudson just asked me what I’m going to be doing for a job now,” he said.

“I don’t know yet. I’m going to have to figure that one out..”

It’s been a wild ride but now it is over.

But weren’t we all lucky to have watched Mundy play at such a high level for such a long time.

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.