Lions veteran’s parting shot at Chris Fagan in emotional retirement announcement

Brisbane stalwart Mitch Robinson has taken to social media to announce his time at the club has ended, taking a parting shot at coach Chris Fagan in the process.

Robinson, who played 147 of his 247 AFL games with the Lions after being signed as a delisted free agent from Carlton in 2014, was dropped after their thrilling elimination final win over Brisbane, and couldn’t break back into the team.

In an emotional Instagram post, the 33-year old paid tribute to the fans and the Lions, saying it was an ‘absolute privilege’ to represent the club – but took issue with Fagan preventing a public retirement announcement.

Devastated Fages wouldn’t allow me to announce this in person to the supporters and my team mates, but I guess that’s footy…” Robinson wrote.

“It’s been an absolute privilege pulling on the Fitzroy and Lions jumper!

“Thank you all for the last 8 years, I’ll never forget the love you all showed me, Emma and my kids.

“I left it all out there every single game, I love you all.”

Robinson’s career appeared at the crossroads when a series of off-field incidents saw him delisted by Carlton at the end of 2014; but he made the most of a Lions lifeline to become one of the league’s fiercest competitors.

The tough nut won the Lions’ best and fairest in his first season at the club – a joint winner alongside teammates Dayne Zorko, Dayne Beams and Stefan Martin – and was part of the group that rose from nowhere to the top four for the 20119 season .