After 14 seasons at Windy Hill, Steve Alessio has decided to hang up the football boots. Alessio came to the club as an 18-year-old to get fit over the pre-season with the intention of playing in the local competition. He has been here ever since and tasted success on a number of occasions, including the 2000 premiership. “I have enjoyed my time here at Essendon. I have been here 14 years and have played 12 years at the top level. I think the club has given me a lot more in the end than I have given it,” Alessio said.

“The time I have been here I have really enjoyed it. I have been able to not only have great times on the field, but I also cherish the times off the field. I would like to thank the club and Sheeds for coaching me throughout my entire career and guiding me along. Essendon has always provided the best facilities and coaching staff over the years to allow all the Essendon players to play their best football. I am happy to have been apart of Essendon for so long and to be a player at this club and be alongside some of the great players and coaching staff.”

Q. How did you come to the club?
A. I walked in off the street. Back in the under-19s it was a lucky time. I just wanted to train and get fit over the summer with the consideration of playing for a local club. I was lucky enough at the time when I did come down that ‘Slug’ Jordan was the coach. He looked me up and down and said get into it big fella and gave me an opportunity.14 years later I am still here and been able to announce my retirement. It has been a good time!

Q. It must not have been an easy decision, considering the club has been such a big place of your life?
A. There is no doubt about that. I think any football or sporting club is a great place if you are willing to put the effort into it. It has been great from my point of view and to be part of this club for so many years has been fantastic.

Q. What was the clincher in the decision making process?
A. Basically once I realised I couldn’t achieve Michael Tuck’s game record that is when I thought I would give it away. The time had come where the consistency of performance I wanted to achieve over the year wasn’t there and I thought it was about time to give it away.

Q. Looking back over your career, what has been the biggest highlight?
A. To play and win a premiership. 2000 was a fantastic year both in the home and away season and also to win the grand final and being able to share it with guys I started my career with – James Hird, Mark Mercuri, Joe Misiti and Dustin Fletcher. To go through your whole career and then to share in premiership glory, is definitely the highlight of my career.

Q. Will you stay involved in footy?
A. I always remember the comment – the best thing to do in life is to find something you love and then get someone to pay you for it. That is what I will be chasing. I definitely want to stay involved in football and work in the welfare area. I think the experience that I have gained over the 14 years, I think I can really bring something to a club in terms of welfare and development of the young players. I have also done a bit of marketing and media work and I really enjoyed that side of things and will look to pursue a career in that as well.

Q. If Essendon had won the premiership this year, would you have considered playing on?
A. Probably not because it is a good way to finish your career if you do win a grand final at the end. This year was always going to be the last. It was a form issue and the body is getting on a bit and the way the game is going at the moment – it is the right time for me to bow out.

Q. Do you plan on staying around the club?
A. That is the good thing about Essendon Football Club in terms of all the players that have ever played here – it is always an open door. You always see ex-players in the rooms and during the week at training, so the door is never shut here at Essendon. I was speaking to Peter Jackson the other day and he said make sure you come back time to time. So that option is always there, but we have just finished our season now, so there is a bit of time before things get organised.