An axial retention system for restraining axial movement of a machine component having a dovetail within a complimentary-shaped dovetail slot includes: a first substantially T-shaped groove formed in a bottom surface of the dovetail slot; a second substantially T-shaped groove formed in a bottom surface of the dovetail, the first and second grooves in alignment when the dovetail is located within the dovetail slot to thereby form a closed periphery substantially T-shaped slot having a stem portion and a lateral cross portion at one end of the stem component, wherein the other end of the stem is open; and a compressible locking clip adapted for insertion within the substantially T-shaped slot, the locking clip having a pair of oppositely extending lugs receivable in opposite ends of the lateral cross portion.