Bulldogs veteran Hazem el Masri kicked his last goal in the NRL Friday night to close the door on a 14-year glittering career.

El Masri's retirement signals an end of an era at the Dogs after they fell to Parramatta 22-12 in a thrilling preliminarily final at ANZ Stadium.

'El Magic' set up a try for Bryson Goodwin in the third minute and kicked two from three attempts at goal to retire as the NRL's most prolific point-scorer.

The dynamic winger didn't get the fairytale finish of winning a second premiership with his only club but says the Bulldogs turn-around from finishing as last year's wooden-spooners is just as satisfying.

"It is a good feeling obviously, last year (we) had a lot of criticism as a team and what we went through was very tough for any team to take," El Masri said after the match.

"To turn it around in such a quick time and the opportunity to (play) again is all I pretty much wanted.

"I think I've done my job properly this year and I'm very proud of that and very proud of the fellas who've enabled me to do so."

Still, El Masri said the loss stung.

"It is hard to take it probably hasn't sunk in yet," he said.

"It is difficult obviously but I can't complain too much I've had an illustrious career.

"I could have finished last year with the wooden spoon ... look at what the guys have achieved.

"Kevin's (Moore) first year he's done a tremendous job and the way they've turned the whole club around it's just been a joyous year and very, very enjoyable for everyone."

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