Brent Reilly admits it was difficult having his AFL dream ripped away, almost, in an instant but says he can see the bigger picture.

Reilly, 31, announced his retirement on Wednesday, three months after fracturing his skull in a training accident. The 203-game veteran required surgery, where a plate was inserted to stabilise the fracture. He spent a week in hospital recuperating and is still undergoing rehabilitation.

Over time, medical experts reached the unanimous decision that Reilly should not return to the playing field, or participate in any contact sport whatsoever.

The news didn’t come as any great shock to the defender.

“When you get the injury I did receive, I obviously thought about it (not being able to play football again) … but I’m glad I’m here,” Reilly said.

“To get told that you can’t play a contact sport … and the game that I love, football, is one of those contact sports … was very tough.

“Naturally, I’m disappointed given my excitement about the team and the coaching staff this year, but I can’t help but be deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve received from the Adelaide Football Club.

“I’ve made some very good inroads in my recovery and I’m hoping to live a normal life. The doctors are very happy with the way I’m going, but there are still some months to go for me to improve and get back to 100 per cent.”

Instead of feeling bitter or short-changed by the injury that prematurely ended his career, Reilly is at peace with the unfortunate and freak accident. He doesn’t remember anything about the incident.

“My whole motto from the injury is that it is what it is. You’ve got to get on with it,” he said.

“If you dwell on it too long, you won’t get anything from it. I moved on and I’m on my way to living a normal life.”

Reilly told teammates of his decision to retire on Wednesday morning.

He was flanked by those same teammates, as well as his family, when he spoke to the media.

“It was pretty tough (telling the players). I thought I was going to be okay, but it wasn’t! It felt like it took me 20 minutes to get out what I wanted to say,” he said.

“The message was that it’s hard work being an AFL footballer.

“It’s a rollercoaster, but it’s also great ride.”

Even prior to his head injury, Reilly’s story was one of persistence and resilience.

Recruited by the Crows with pick No.12 in the 2001 National Draft, the Calder Cannons junior struggled with homesickness and injury in his first two years, limited to only seven AFL games.

He could’ve easily headed back home to Victoria, but made the decision to stick it out and now finishes his career as a one-club player, Life Member and happy resident of Adelaide.

Crows Head of Football David Noble said Reilly was a person of the highest character.

“Longevity, performance and being able to overcome (adversity and show) resilience, I think are marks of great people and great players,” Noble said.

“I think Brent’s been able to display that all throughout his career.”

Reilly, who is now a mentor for young recruits from interstate, credited his parents, and three influential former teammates for helping him settle into life away from his family and friends.

He also thanked wife, Jamie, and her family for treating him as one of their own.

“The first two seasons, I hated it over here. I didn’t enjoy it at all!” he said with a laugh.

“As I said to the boys this morning, ‘Goody’ (Simon Goodwin), ‘Roo’ (Mark Ricciuto) and Michael Doughty took me under their wings and I can’t thank them enough.

“My parents encouraged me when I made the move to Adelaide. (They) sacrificed time and a lot of money to come over and see me play and support my dream. (They) rode the rollercoaster with me.”

Coach Phil Walsh, who was one of the first people at the hospital when Reilly was taken away by ambulance in February, applauded the strength of the Reilly family.

“I’ve only really known Brent for five minutes compared to other people at the Adelaide Football Club. Under tragic circumstances, I got to know him and his family really well,” Walsh said.

“There was a lot of strength in how they came together. It’s a great example of not just footy clubs, but families and how people support one another through tragedies.

“Brent’s a quality guy. We’re going to help him with his transition into the next part of his life, whatever that is. He’ll always be a welcome member of the Adelaide family.”

Reilly will remain at West Lakes in a coaching capacity, as he continues his rehabilitation.

Walsh said the 2012 All Australian nominee had the makings of a coach.

“There are guys you meet over your coaching career, who you think, yeah that guy’s probably going to go down the coaching pathway,” Walsh said.

“Even when I first came into the Club in the pre-season, Brent would be asking me about, ‘Why we were doing this? Or have you thought about doing that?’ He’s got some value to add around the playing group.

“We want to give him a look at the business and see which part really does excite him. I encourage him to chase his passion whatever that is. He’s got a little bit of time to do that after what’s happened. He’s been in there (the coaches’ box) for a couple of games already and has helped out with a bit of training. We’re also conscious that he’s still in recovery mode at the moment.

“We don’t want to welcome him (yet) to the life of a coach, which is not that great at some stages!”

A skilful ball winner, Reilly started his AFL career as wingman/half-forward flanker.

In the latter years, the neat-kicking Crow cemented himself at half-back, and was nominated for the All Australian team in that position in 2012. Walsh said Reilly’s kicking and marking ability were highlights of his game.

“As a coach from another team, and scouting the Crows, one thing you were always aware of was that you didn’t want Brent Reilly getting the ball across half-back,” he said.

“The thing he added … was that ability to go back and take the intercept mark as well. We’ve missed that, there’s no doubt about that. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Brent do that again.”

Reilly played in 10 finals during his 13-year career.

He identified the preliminary finals of 2005, 2006 and 2012 as the highlights (and lowlights).

“We love the game, but playing finals footy is very special,” he said.

“Being involved in three prelims was a high, but we also didn’t win them, so it’s a low too. I guess it’s just the teammates you meet and love.

“That’s probably the biggest thing I miss if I do decide to get out of footy (altogether).”