The GIANTS today confirmed that veteran defender Joel Patfull has announced his retirement from the game effective immediately.

In the interest of fulfilling a required player payment and the club adhering to the Total Player Payment (TPP) obligations, Joel has been delisted by the Giants but will be selected by the club at next month’s rookie draft.

This will see Joel rookie-listed on the Giants roster for 2017, as approved by the AFL.

Patfull’s retirement brings to a conclusion a successful 220-game AFL career at the GWS GIANTS and the Brisbane Lions.

The 31-year-old joined the Giants ahead of the 2015 season after 182 games and nine seasons with the Lions during which time he was crowned club champion twice (2012 and 2013).

In two seasons with the GIANTS, Patfull played 38 games and added significant experience to the Giant’s young backline.

Patfull said he was looking forward to the next stage of his life.

“I feel like the time is right to retire and I leave the game with no regrets,” said Patfull.

“I’m very fortunate to have played at two clubs and gained the lifelong friendships I have.

“I never imagined playing over 200 games was possible, and I’d like to thank my family as well as everyone at the GIANTS and the Brisbane Lions for their support throughout my career.

“I leave the GIANTS knowing the club is heading in the right direction and I hope to see this driven group achieve the ultimate success in the near future.”

GIANTS General Manager Football Wayne Campbell said Patfull had an enormous impact on the club during his two years in Sydney.

“Joel was a no fuss player that went about his business quietly, but was always highly rated by those inside the football clubs he played at, as highlighted by the two club champion awards he won,” Campbell said.

“His maturity and ability to play on both tall and small forwards added great value to our young list.

“Joel helped shape the careers of a number of our young players and we wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.”