last game. He was only seen briefly at the end of the game as the substitute player (a new innovation introduced in 2011). The following week, in Round 14, he returned to his role as a defensive forward, limiting key West Coast Eagles playmaker Shannon Hurn to a near season low 10 possessions, while having 19 of his own and 2 goal assists. Houlihan played his 200th game in Round 19 against North Melbourne, the same side he had debuted against 11 years previously, becoming just the 31st player in the history of the Carlton Football Club to achieve that. President and club great Stephen Kernahan and Coach Brett Ratten said he had been a great player for the club and had anticipated that the emotion of his milestone would motivate the team to win the match for him, which it did. Retirement After playing just one more senior game, Houlihan announced his retirement from AFL football at the end of the 2011 season- his 12th- to finish up with 201 games at 29 years of age. Injuries had caused him to miss 41 games. His time had come to step away, he stated. When asked "How would you like to be remembered?": "As a silky and skilful player who did his job for the team." He started his career when Carlton were enjoying success, became the longest serving player to play through its unsuccessful period of the 2000s and was still there as the club returned to success. Coach Brett Ratten praised him for his loyalty and commitment to the club for 11 years, throughout its dark period and said it had been an honour to coach him. He said he will be remembered for his poise under pressure and smooth skills. In a radio interview after announcing his retirement, Ryan was asked if he felt he had got the most from his talent. He said he believed he had. Houlihan was honoured by the AFL in the 2011 Grand Final pre-match with a lap of honour as a retiring 200 game player. Other facts A member of Carlton's Pre-Season Premiership teams in 2005 and 2007. The Carlton Football Club record holder for greatest number of games played in Guernsey No. 33, passing Peter McConville's previous record of 140 games in 2007, at just 25 years of age. Has played by far the most games of any AFL player