Matthew Pavlich has paid tribute to his wife Lauren and her support during his AFL career in his final address to the Fremantle Football Club.

Speaking to nearly 1000 guests at Crown’s Grand Ballroom on Saturday night, Pavlich said words didn’t do justice to the support he had received from his wife.

“Your generosity, your selfless nature, timely word and unwavering support are just a few of the things I greatly admire and respect about you,” he said.

Fremantle’s games record holder thanked all the departments within the club that had helped him to the milestone of 353 games, paying special tribute to the physio department at Fremantle.

“I couldn’t have played 160 in a row, nor the 353 without you all. Absolutely eternal thanks to you all,” Pavlich said.

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Pavlich, who has completed two university degrees during his time at Fremantle, said he never considered leaving the club.

“It was always about sticking to the plan and seeing things through, never ever wanting to jump ship,” he said.

“Being there this year to help guide them back on course for 2017 and beyond was absolutely meaningful.”

One of just three players in AFL history to kick 700 goals and play 350 games, reflected on some of his fondest memories of his time at the clubs, from his first game at the WACA through to his final game against the Western Bulldogs.

“I was ready and I was done,” he said.

“It meant I was at peace with the game.

“I’m more relieved than anything else, my body is aching and my mind is weary.”

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Pavlich said that while he was shattered to not have won a premiership, he wasn’t defined by that failure.

“The fact I haven’t won a flag is an inaccurate measure of my success,” he said.

“My legacy will long endure and the influence on others will long remain.”

Pavlich plans to take a step away from football in the near future and pursue a life in business and the media.

“I’m having some time off, particularly with my young family, to reconnect with them and be a proper dad,” he said.

“This is my final farewell. This is the final time I will stand before you as a Fremantle Dockers player.”