Eight weeks ago the 28-year-old decided that 2019 would be his last year of football.

Mentally and physically drained from a footy career that included stints in the TAC Cup, VFL, NEAFL and BFNL, Geary decided he'd put everything into the remainder of 2019 in the hope of winning one more flag with his beloved Storm.

Geary's performance in Saturday's 14-point grand final win over Eaglehawk personified his career with the Storm - classy.

His third quarter, in particular, was outstanding. Geary mopped off across half-back, won crucial possessions in the middle of the ground and at a vital time used his elite running capabilities to kick a crucial goal.

He was a worthy winner of the AFL Victoria Medal. It will sit alongside three premiership medals and a Nalder Medal.

"I had a lot to play for today,'' Geary said after the game.

"About eight weeks ago I decided I'd retire from footy. In my mind I knew I had to give everything. There wasn't going to be a next week or another pre-season. I had to find something.

"The boys kept going as well and, thankfully, we got over the line."

Read more: Grand final blog

Despite having plenty of years of footy in front of him, Geary said the time was right for him to move away from the game.

"I've played a lot of footy... it feels as though I've played 400 games of footy and I need a break,'' Geary said.

"I'm not saying that I'll never play footy again, but there's a fair chance that I won't.

"It's only fair that I'm open with the club as to where I'm at.

"I've loved playing for Strathfieldsaye and enjoyed all the success. I couldn't play anywhere else."

He said the final siren brought a mixed feeling of joy and relief.

"Since I made the decision (to retire) every training session has been a bit easier and every game that I've finished has been a bit easier,'' Geary said

"To know that I don't have to again is a massive relief.

"It's a huge relief to know that we've won the premiership."

Geary had added motivation to play well on Saturday.

The Storm players sported black arm bands for the passing of Kallen and Shannon Geary's grandmother Mollie Driscoll.

"We lost our grandmother last Friday so that was a pretty big motivating factor for Shannon and I today,'' Kallen said.

"I think there was 30 to 40 family members in the crowd today which was great.

"I tip my hat to Shannon because he's playing some great footy and he's 32. I couldn't do that.

"Shannon was unlucky to miss out on being one of the best two players on the ground today."

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