Even if Tim Notting was Brisbane Lions coach he would baulk at picking himself for Friday night's knockout AFL semi-final clash with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.

It's a brutal honesty that has helped the veteran utility realise his time in elite footy is well and truly up.

The dual premiership player has shocked teammates still buzzing from last round's comeback finals win over Carlton by announcing he will retire at the end of the season.

He has not been a member of the senior squad for three weeks but has vowed to do his best to get one last taste of finals action before bowing out.

However, Notting is a realist.

"The guys have had a fantastic win," Notting said in Brisbane on Tuesday.

"If I was coaching I wouldn't change around too much. I'm up against it, there's no doubt about that.

"It is all going to depend on what they want to do for the Bulldogs. Vossy (Lions coach Michael Voss) has been about horses for courses all year."

The MCG and playing against the Bulldogs both suit Notting's running game but Jed Adcock and Josh Drummond - expected to return from injury - are tipped to get the nod from Voss.

"There doesn't seem to be any injuries. I will be very lucky if I get a game," the 30-year-old Notting said.

"If I do I will go out there and give it an absolute crack.

"If I don't, so be it. I have had my time in the sun."

Notting's 13-year, 207-game AFL career includes the 2001 and 2002 premiership wins.

While youngsters at the club were surprised when he made the announcement on Monday, it was the emergence of the same Lions cubs that had prompted Notting to pull the pin.

"The younger blokes coming through are doing really well. I will blame them," he laughed.

"They pretty much pushed me out the door."

Notting's off-field life had threatened to overshadow his on-field heroics of late with the veteran at one stage appearing on a current affairs TV show defending his relationship with swimming superstar Jodie Henry.

But Notting has plans in place to ensure a smooth transition into AFL retirement.

After taking up carpentry 12 months ago, Notting will set up a Brisbane-based business with a mate.

"Plus I get to spend a fair bit of time with my young son which I only get every second weekend, and if it falls on an away (game) weekend then I don't get to see him," he said.

"So I get more time with him which is great. I am happy to make my decision now."

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