PERSISTENT soft tissue injuries have finally forced Port Adelaide forward Brett Ebert to retire.

The 29-year-old informed his teammates of his decision this morning, calling an end to a career which saw him play 166 games.

"I have been battling persistent injuries right throughout the season and just couldn't get my body right," Ebert said.

"All along I probably thought this was going to my last year anyway, so although disappointing to go out with injury, it was a pretty easy decision in the end."

This season, Ebert has battled adductor, hamstring and calf problems and has been unable to add to his games tally for the Power.

He has kicked 240 goals, the third-most in the AFL club's history, behind only former skipper Warren Tredrea (549) and Stuart Dew (245).

Ebert had a career-best year in 2007, kicking a club-high 56 goals, being nominated for the All-Australian team and playing in the Power's losing grand final. He had been an emergency for the 2004 premiership team.

"The Port Adelaide Football Club means everything to me," Ebert said today.

"It has been a massive part of my family and my upbringing. I grew up loving the club and then to be able to be drafted to the club as a father-son pick was just unbelievable.

"And to end my career as a one-club player through the SANFL and into the AFL is something that I'll always cherish."

"Late in my career it was a great thrill to play 16 games with my cousin Brad after he returned home last year.

"Having him around really motivated me to get more out of my footy career and it gave me a new lease on life."

Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley paid tribute to Ebert, despite never having the chance to coach him in an AFL game.

"From an opposition coach's point of view I always saw Brett as a very dangerous and clever player that was always hard to match up on and added an important element to the Power's forward line structure," Hinkley said.

"And as a coach here at Port Adelaide, I saw that first-hand across the preseason. I was desperate to get Brett fit and healthy so that he could play a role for us up forward but unfortunately his body just didn't allow him to do that.

"It must be said that it was not due to a lack of effort that Brett couldn't get back on the park this season. He gave everything and more to get his body right and his attitude and commitment to his rehabilitation was first class and a great example to others."

The 2003 Magarey Medalist was recruited to the club as a father-son selection in the 2002 National Draft.

His father Russell was a four-time Magarey Medallist, three-time premiership player and 392-game club legend, playing from 1968 to 1985.

Leave your tribute to Brett Ebert in the comment box below

BRETT EBERT FACT FILE

Age: 29 (Born 18/11/83)

Drafted: 2002 AFL National Draft 3rd round father-son selection from Port Adelaide Magpies

AFL debut: Round 2, 2004 v West Coast at Subiaco

AFL games: 166

AFL goals: 240

Honours: Magarey Medal 2003; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2004; All-Australian nominee 2007; Club leading goalkicker 2007; Grand Final side 2007

###