Retirement words are never easy to find but Nathan van Berlo held his composure in front of the football department. 

“Boys, I’d just like to formally announce to the group that I’m going to finish at the end of the season …” started the former captain, 12 years and 205 AFL games after arriving at West Lakes as an 18-year-old from Perth.

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Coach Don Pyke was at the Crows as an assistant coach when van Berlo was drafted at the end of 2014.

“It’s always sad when someone announces they are going to retire but I think the testament of a guy like VB is that this footy club is a better place for him having been here and being involved,” he told the players.