MICHAEL, Mal

Mal Michael had retired from League football after 201 games with Collingwood and Brisbane when an approach by Essendon assistant coach Gary O'Donnell was the catalyst for him joining Essendon in 2007.

Michael had reluctantly left Brisbane after a fabulous career when the club declined to give him time off to pursue his business and charity work in his native Papua New Guinea.

He arrived at Essendon after six seasons with Brisbane and having been a key part of the Brisbane defence that was among the most feared in the League. He played in four consecutive Grand Finals at Brisbane for three premierships: 2001-2003.

He was recruited to Essendon to play full-back and give Dustin Fletcher the freedom to play a more attacking role out of defence. He played every game in 2007 and showed the good judgement, mobility and attack from defence that had characterised his time at Brisbane.

He then played 15 games in 2008 for a total of 37 in an Essendon jumper.

On retirement Michael thanked the Club for the opportunity to continue his career in League football and commented that the role he had once played was now better suited for lighter and quicker players.