“I made the decision late last year and informed the coach and people close to me that 2012 was going to be my last season.

“I know there has been a lot of speculation about my career of late and I thank the coach and club for giving me the time I needed to make this decision public.

“I was always going to announce it early on in the season, and ideally I would have liked to have done it coming off four wins. But that’s footy isn’t it?

“That’s why I’m announcing my retirement now. I love this club it’s been my life since I was 16. I’ve made lifelong friends, met my wife and watched my kids’ faces light up when I tell them they can come to work with dad.

“I’m hoping that by announcing this, it will take some pressure off my coach, my team mates and the club, so we can get back to focusing on what really matters… winning games.