Fremantle is in mourning. Jeff Farmer has called to an end one of the greatest, most entertaining and simply brilliant careers in 150 years of Australian Rules Football. After talking to club types today, The Wiz didn't need any special powers to see where events were heading and, like always, made sure he was a couple of steps ahead of play and beat them to the decision. Jeff Farmer's football career will always be remembered, those who brought about his downfall will want to make sure they are not soon forgotten.

Always the gentleman, Jeff Farmer was gracious in departure, thanking both his former clubs, Fremantle and Melbourne for the opportunity to play at the highest level, his team mates for the camaraderie they provided and the loyalty and support of his many fans.

Farmer's decision brings to an end 249 games of football, most memorable, a few forgettable but all of them entertaining. From his 9 goals in half a game while playing for Melbourne, to his after the siren goal to beat his former team after returning home to the Dockers. His goal of the year in 1998 to his foundation shaking grab in the 2007 Derby. From his first game as a skinny kid for Melbourne in the mid nineties to his final best on ground performance which saw the third bottom team kick a premiership favourite out of the top four.

He kicked 483 goals in the end, more than any other Aboriginal player yet is still a glaring omission from the Indigenous Team of the Century. He played for Australia, he was an All Australian, he wore the black and gold for WA three times. He was the best small forward Western Australia has ever produced.

A lot of claims will be made about Jeff Farmer as he steps down from the stage. A lot of small minded, big gutted men behind microphones and typewriters will demonize the man for various personal reasons, some they may find hard to admit to, but it's the fans who Jeff Farmer played his football for and the fans who remember not only the greatest of his football ability, a rare talent that will truly not be seen again, but the big heart, the cheeky grin and the seemingly unlimited imagination with the football.

From the day he pulled on a Fremantle jumper till his last moments, shaking the hands of as many supporters as his wrist would allow, he gave more of himself to Fremantle than he ever received and will be remembered fondly by the people who count.