A fourth knee reconstruction has forced the AFL retirement of much-travelled Melbourne forward David Rodan.

The 29-year-old, who joined the Demons from Port Adelaide this season, damaged his knee in the first quarter of their loss to Adelaide.

Retiring: David Rodan. Credit:Wayne Hawkins

It was an all-too-familiar feeling for Rodan, who must undergo a third reconstruction on his left knee, while he's had the surgery once on his right.

The continuing knee issues hampered a promising career for the Fijian-born Rodan after making his AFL debut with Richmond in 2002.