Sam Shaw has announced his retirement from football following an injury-interrupted season.

Shaw, 25, made the decision after experiencing concussion-related symptoms stemming from an injury sustained in the SANFL earlier this year. The defender managed only four State League games in 2016 as he and the Club took an ultra-conservative approach to his recovery.

Recruited from the Oakleigh Chargers, Shaw retires having played 24 AFL games in seven years. He earned a Rising Star nomination in a breakout 2012 season.

“I would like to thank the Adelaide Football Club for allowing me to live out a lifelong dream to play AFL and for their support during what has been a difficult time personally through injury,” Shaw said.

“I am extremely grateful particularly but not limited to Dr. Andrew Potter and the entire medical team.

“The last seven years at the Club have provided me with amazing opportunities and exposure to so many great people, who enable the Club to run on a daily basis and have also helped shape me into the person I am today.

“I am thankful for the eternal friendships I have forged and those who have supported me during this time.

“It is with a heavy heart and through much deliberation with the assistance of friends, health professionals and my ever-supportive family to step away from professional football and focus on my health.

“Thank you to all the supporters who have shown such passion and care during my time at the Club.

“I wish the players and everyone involved at the Club all the best in the coming years. I especially look forward to watching them achieve the greatest of success in the very near future.”

Crows General Manager List Management and Strategy Justin Reid thanked Shaw for his contribution, adding that the Club would continue to offer support as he transitioned into life after football.

“Sam has been a likeable and talented member of our playing group and will be missed around the place,” Reid said.

“This has been a very difficult decision for him and the focus since he was injured has always been on his long-term health.

“Our Club, like the AFL industry in general, will continue to treat concussion injuries with extreme care and caution.”