Click here to read about the retirements of Lockyer and Paul Medhurst.
I have had a long association with Tarkyn Lockyer.
I was coaching the West Coast Eagles and went to a training camp and watched Lockyer and several other Western Australians go through their program to enhance themselves for selection. He was never picked.
He elected to come over to Melbourne and I watched with interest.
He made it to Collingwood and became its specialist kick off player. Went from the rookie list to in the best 22.
Click here to send your messages of appreciation to the two former Magpies.
When I arrived at Collingwood I saw a dedicated and highly motivated player and that never changed. He was totally focused.
It’s important to acknowledge his focus never wavered from when he was 18 or 19 to his early thirties because along the way he meets and marries, has children and sometimes your focus can diminish. His never did.
It was no surprise when he injured his knee (2003); he was back in the blink of an eye and never lost a beat.
The regret you have, as a football coach, is that you can’t always play your favourite players. I would have loved to see Tarkyn Lockyer be part of the 2010 premiership.
That’s the tragedy of football. It doesn’t always favour those who are great blokes and who train hard.
He was probably just one year and one position too late.
He was certainly on our emergency list for good reason. We thought he could play in our side if called upon.
Those are the things that will stay with me for a long time.
He should be proud of his endeavors and career. He is the ultimate professional.
I know he will be working as a coach in the next year somewhere and don’t be surprised if you see him as a senior coach someday.
Collingwoodfc.com.au's photo gallery of Tarkyn Lockyer's career
Club doctors attend to Lockyer, who was knocked out in the 2001 loss to Essendon.
Gets a kick away in the 2002 ANZAC Day win with the MCG providing the backdrop.
Wraps up a young Gary Ablett Jnr in round 11, 2005 at what was then called Telstra Dome.
Makes up the 2008 leadership group including captain Scott Burns, Nick Maxwell, Scott Pendlebury and Josh Fraser.
Lays a textbook tackle on Melbourne's Daniel Bell in the round 11 (2010) win.
Taken high in the round two win over Melbourne in 2010.
Sings the song after the Melbourne win (round 2, 2010) with teammates Leigh Brown, Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke and Darren Jolly.
