Gordon's call closes out a decorated decade in AFL Riverina, including six grand finals, three premierships, a couple of league medals and club best-and-fairests with Collingullie-Glenfield Park and the Hawks.

He says he's almost certain to retire, and departs the Hawks with a heavy heart but happy memories.

"It was really tough to leave, but it feels like the right time now to head back up to Newcastle," Gordon said.

Gordon arrived at Collingullie in 2012 where he immediately won two Jim Quinn medals but had to get through two lost grand finals before breaking through for back-to-back Riverina League flags in 2014 and 2015.

"I spent a good four years there at 'Gullie, I loved it out there and then I've enjoyed my time at East Wagga as well. Both clubs were really welcoming," he said.

"I thought I was going to be here for two weeks and it turned out to be nine years but it's been good.

"I've loved every minute of it. Wagga's been a big part of my life and it's been good but I'm keen to get back to a coastal town."

Now 32, Gordon says the highlight was that remarkable 2014 comeback victory against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

"It was my first grand final win and that day was awesome... we were down but we regrouped in the changerooms at halftime and went on with it then," Gordon said.

The following year he was co-coach when they repeated the dose, belting the Goannas in a stunning victory.

"We only just made the finals, we come fifth and we'd had a big game against Wagga Tigers in the prelim, which we won by about four points... then we just took that form to the grand final and we were unstoppable that day," he said.

Gordon then switched to the Hawks as an assistant coach and critical part of their plan to finally end a decades-long premiership drought in the Farrer League.

The plan came together, sharing in the victory with former Collingullie pair Marc Geppert and Ben Absolum - two teammates he rates highly, along with the charismatic Brocke Argus at the Hawks.

At 'Gullie, Gordon said it was hard to go past multiple league medallists Brad Aiken and Jayden Klemke, as gun teammates, not to mention the inspirational captain Kal Sykes.

Gordon's decision means he won't lock horns again with Coleambally signing Guy Orton, a player he considers the standout of opponents he's faced.

"He is one tough bloke to play against. Every time, I knew I was going to be in for a long day but he was really good too... nothing dirty about him," Gordon said.

Gordon wound back the clock in 2019 with a brilliant season, steering the Hawks to the verge of another premiership, only to be overrun by North Wagga.

He's disappointed that will be his last game in AFL Riverina. Gordon played a couple of games with mates in Newcastle last year but said his playing days might be over.

"If I get itchy feet I might look for a game but after COVID I'm not too fussed any more. I just got over it."

Gordon won Collingullie's best and fairest in 2012 and 2013 and was crowned the Hawks' best in 2019.