Crow Matthew Jaensch is retiring from the AFL effective immediately.

He has not played since suffering an injury in Round 7 last year and undergoing a knee reconstruction.

Jaensch would like to thank his family and friends for their support during his career.

“I would like to thank the Club for the opportunity to be in the AFL for seven years and I am very proud to have played at the highest level, and feel really privileged to have taken the field with some of the superstars of the game," Jaensch said.

"I would finally like to thank my team mates for their support and fun times shared, I wish them all the success for the coming season.

“Playing in the AFL takes a great deal of focus and commitment and right now I’ve lost my passion to play the game I grew up loving.

"I look forward to pursuing a new chapter of my life.”

Jaensch played 74 games as a running defender after being selected in the 2010 rookie draft.

Crows Head of Football David Noble thanked Jaensch for the service he had given the Club.

“Matthew has had to contend with a number of difficult events in recent times, including his recovery from a serious injury,” Noble said.

“He is a talented footballer and we wish him the very best and will provide him with ongoing support as he transitions into the next phase of his life.”

The Club will work with Jaensch, his management group and the AFLPA going forward.