BRISBANE key defender Daniel Merrett has announced his retirement from AFL football.

Merrett is just two games shy of reaching his 200-game milestone but will play out the season, reaching the mark against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in Round 23.

Merrett’s departure leaves the Lions in the market for an experienced key defender, since Harris Andrews is the club’s sole bona fide prospect down back. Academy pick Eric Hipwood played predominantly in defence during his draft year, but has begun his AFL career up forward this season.

The 31-year-old informed his teammates of his decision on Tuesday afternoon.

Round 18

“I thought I wanted to play on next year, I thought if you’re able to play, if you’re capable – keep going. But, I probably sat down on the weekend and thought, what do I value in life the most? And that’s my family,” Merrett told his teammates.

“For the last five years it’s been bloody hard, copping 60, 70 inside 50s every week playing full back on the best forwards, it’s bloody stressful.

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“I just want to give more time to my family and it probably feels like a little bit of the fire has burnt out inside. The one thing that has kept me going is the knowledge I can share with the younger guys, particularly the defenders. It’s one of the main reasons I play.

Merrett will remain with the club next season, guiding the Lions’ young defenders as well as helping out in welfare.

“I can see the future is so bright,” he said.

“For the last 12 years I’ve been playing seniors we haven’t had a whole deal of success. It’s been pretty tough but I wouldn’t give it up for anything.

“How can you complain about this job? I’ve never taken it for granted. It’s shown this year with Jase (Justin) Clarke something can be taken away from you in a second.

“When I got drafted, I was a bit of a spud. I was probably taken on potential more than anything. I’m pretty proud of where I’ve come from.

Brisbane’s Daniel Merrett will retire in his 200th game. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

“We’ve had a lot of outside noise but as a group we’ve been solid. It has been enjoyable around the club.”

Merrett, 31, retires after 14 seasons at the Lions. Despite being the oldest player on Brisbane’s list this season, Merrett has played 17 of a possible 20 games.

Since cementing his spot in Brisbane’s line-up in 2007, Merrett developed into a mainstay in the Lions’ defence and became one of the best spoiling defenders in the competition.

Merrett was taken with pick No. 30 in the 2002 national draft, but didn’t make his AFL debut until the 2005 AFL season.

He was born in Adelaide but moved to the Gold Coast with his family at a young age. Merrett was recruited from the Southport Sharks.

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