The 2010-11 State League Hudson medallist as the competition's leading goalkicker, Finch managed only three games this year before a back complaint that had plagued him for the past three seasons forced him to pull the pin on a distinguished career that included three NTFL flags with Launceston (2006-08) and the 2005 NTFL Baldock Medal as best and fairest player.

``I've been battling a back problem for three or four years and it's just got to the stage this year where I wasn't recovering from games,'' Finch said.

``I went and had an X-ray and MRI which showed spondylolisthesis which is basically stress fractures of the vertebra and I'm at the stage where I'm close to having to have another operation.''

The 31-year-old said he had to consider his career as a personal fitness trainer and the effect his back problem was having on his work.

He contemplated retiring after Launceston's first State League flag last season but said he did not regret his decision to play on this season.

``At least I know I am not going to go out wondering,'' Finch said.

``The reason I was going to retire was because of my back but I managed to get through last season OK and thought I could probably go on again and play through the injury.

``But this year the three games I played I didn't recover week to week which is when I consulted a doctor and had scans and he said there was no way I was going back on to a footy field.''

Finch said Launceston's first NTFL premiership in 2006 was a career highlight along with last season's State League flag.

He accrued an impressive list of honours over a career that featured about 137 games with Launceston, 85 with South Launceston and 28 for Clarence.

``I played in seven NTFL rep games and state footy and I won a couple of Paddy Martin medals as best on ground and I look back on those when I was younger and playing midfield against the best in the state.''