I sat down at the cafe across from the ground and opposite me sat one of the most talented players this country has ever produced. Michael Petersen was a Socceroo, good enough to be signed by one of the world's greatest clubs, Ajax, as a teenager and more importantly a teammate, friend and someone who stood alongside me and shed tears as we won the 1991 championship with South Melbourne together.

This conversation was not going to be easy, however, because I had just been appointed head coach at South and before I had even coached my first game I had decided Mickey did not fit into my plans and, in my judgment, the time had come for him to hang up his boots.

It was 1996 and as I sat there, I questioned my own credibility in even calling this meeting. Who was I to be making such a massive decision? While I firmly believed that it was the correct call, the enormity of what I was undertaking hit me both emotionally and physically.

I was putting 20 years of friendship at risk and also depriving supporters and everyone at the club the opportunity to see a club great play in the colours one more year. I also got the feeling that Mickey still believed he could contribute, making the conversation even more delicate.

I am not sure why I chose a cafe to have this discussion. Maybe being in a public place gave me some security that there would be civility, as Mickey was capable of showing extreme emotions if he felt strongly about something, a trait that also helped him be a champion, but more than likely I wanted the conversation to be open and honest and away from the club where such discussions can seem like business.