CARLTON Football Club can confirm Tomas Bugg has made the decision to retire from AFL football.

Bugg informed his teammates today that he has had growing interests outside the game that have become more of a priority than his desire to play AFL football.

The 25-year-old said the decision to walk away from the game was difficult given the support he had received since joining the Club.

“My life away from football has changed in a very short period of time which has been the reason behind this tough decision,” Bugg said.

Speaking to Carlton Media, Brad Lloyd runs through the Blues' impending list options. — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) February 1, 2019

“The players and staff at Carlton have been so welcoming and supportive to me, I cannot thank them enough. Everyone is working incredibly hard to take the Club back to where it needs to be, you see that every day when you walk through the door.”

Head of Football Brad Lloyd said that Bugg’s decision has allowed the Club to implement the new AFL rules to full effect.

“While we are comfortable with Tom’s decision and wish him well for the future, our club will continue to move forward and be unwavering in our determination to bring success to the Carlton Football Club,” Lloyd said.

“The new AFL rules are perfect for situations such as this. We now have an opportunity to add a player to our group who will be a valuable contributor to our football club.”