The dual premiership team-mates, and two of Maryborough's greatest players, both confirmed yesterday they had retired from football.

Bond made the decision after Maryborough's loss to Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park in round five, while Tranter called it a day after the Magpies' win over Castlemaine in round four.

Bond addressed the Magpies' playing list last Thursday night, while Tranter will officially inform his clubmates of his decision tomorrow night.

"Old age has caught up with me," Bond said.

"I've had a good run and decided to get out before anything major happened."

The 32-year-old is comfortable with the decision he has made and leaves the game a satisfied man.

He won the 1996 Michelsen Medal as the BFL's best and fairest, was a member of the Magpies' 1998 and '99 premiership teams, and enjoyed a stint at the highest level.

Bond spent '88-'89 at Hawthorn, playing in the under-18s and reserves, and '90-'91 at Fitzroy.

His sole senior appearance for the Lions was against Melbourne at the MCG in round 17, '91.

Following his four years in Melbourne, Bond played at Werribee and South Launceston, before joining Maryborough in '94, where he went on to establish himself as one of the most exciting players in the Bendigo Football League.

Bond will be a certain nomination in the forward line for the BFL's Team of the '90s.

His good mate Tranter admitted the decision to hang the boots up was a difficult one.

"I tried to come up again this year, but a lot of factors haven't allowed me," Tranter said.

`It's the mental side of it - I've lost that competitive edge to want to come up week in, week out, and the family life and work commitments take on more of a priority as you get older."

Tranter - a reliable backman who has been nominated for the BFL's Team of the '90s - told coach Neville Massina after the Castlemaine game on May 8 he planned to retire.

However, the pair agreed to wait for a period of time before making the announcement official in case Tranter, 33, felt the urge to play again.

"That hasn't happened; I feel it's the right decision to make for myself and team-mates," Tranter said.

"I didn't want to be selfish and hold a young player that was passionate about playing the game out of a spot.

"I've had a great time at the Maryborough Football Club; the committee has treated me well over a lot of years," he said.

"The club has supported me in all the decisions I've made with footy - I wish the club all the best for the rest of the year and future."

Tranter, 33, spent 4sfr1/2 years at Collingwood and played eight games for the Pies.

`I wish every up and coming player at least got the opportunity to be in that environment and appreciate the hard work that has to go in to football if you want to achieve the best out of what you've got," he said.

Tranter was selected by Collingwood at number 55 in the '87 VFL Draft. Other players in that draft included Graham Wright, Andrew Jarman, Brendon Gale and Liam Pickering.

After leaving Collingwood halfway through '92, Tranter spent the rest of the year playing for Golden Square.

He was a member of the Bulldogs' team beaten in the '92 grand final clash with Castlemaine by five points, but would taste premiership glory with Maryborough six years later.

He won the Nalder Medal for the best on ground in the '98 and '99 grand final wins.

"I've never played for personal gains - the premierships were certainly the highlight and the best on grounds are just a bonus."

Tranter also played at Carisbrook and South Warrnambool.