Young midfielder Caleb Serong couldn’t help but get emotional when dealing with the realisation that Fremantle legend David Mundy’s career was over after 376 games.

The 21-year-old has long credited Mundy’s guidance on his rapid development and admitted that it was tough to handle seeing the 37-year-old retire.

Mundy’s career didn’t end with a whimper despite Fremantle’s 20-point loss in a semi final to Collingwood at a packed MCG, with the midfielder kicking a trademark late goal on the run in the final quarter from 50 metres.

“I gave him a big hug on the siren and I distanced myself so I didn’t have a tear in my eye,” Serong told 3AW.

“It’s tough to put into words what he has given the Club and what he means to us as players and teammates.

“I’m not going to try to say what he means to me because I’ll be lost for words, but at some stage I’m going to put it into words and send him a nice long text because he’s meant a lot to us and me individually.”

While you can usually hear a pin drop in the Fremantle changerooms in the aftermath of a loss, there was a raucous atmosphere as friends and family of Mundy filled the rooms to congratulate a person that meant so much to them.

Serong said it was heartening to see Mundy’s career celebrated despite it having a disappointing end.

“It’s really sad but there’s actually a great celebration down here,” Serong said.

“He’s had an amazing career, he’s given so much to this football club.”