Western Bulldogs veteran Matthew Boyd has called an end to an outstanding 16-year AFL career.

Boyd, one of the most decorated players in Bulldogs’ history, today announced that the 2017 season would be his last.

Boyd will leave the game with three Charles Sutton Medals, three All-Australian awards, a premiership, captaincy of the Bulldogs and as one of the most respected players of the modern era.

“It has been an amazing journey for me to play at the highest level at the Western Bulldogs for 16 years,” Boyd said.

“I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to play for such an amazing club and to have met so many incredible people along the way.

“For me it’s those friendships and special bonds I’ve developed here that mean the most to me, and are what make this club so special.

“I’m proud to finish my career as a one-club player, and I want to thank everyone at the Western Bulldogs for their support of me and my family over my career.

“The Bulldogs’ fans have been phenomenal. I thank you for embracing me, and it was truly an honour playing for you.”

Boyd currently has 291 games to his name - the most ever by a player who started his career as a rookie.

Only seven other Bulldogs players have recorded more games in their careers – Brad Johnson, Chris Grant, Doug Hawkins, Ted Whitten, Scott West, Rohan Smith and Bob Murphy.

“Matthew has made an amazing contribution to the Western Bulldogs, and he will be remembered as one of the most influential players in the Club’s history,” said coach Luke Beveridge.

“His list of on-field achievements stack up among the greats of this Club, and he is held in the highest regard through his outstanding leadership over a long period of time.

“Matthew can be very proud of what he accomplished at the highest level, and we thank him for his passion, professionalism, strong work ethic and ability to make others better around him.”

Boyd was recruited to the Bulldogs with the 23rd selection in the 2001 Rookie Draft, after playing for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup and Frankston in the VFL.

He made his debut in Round 7, 2003, and by the following year he had established himself as a permanent fixture in the Bulldogs’ team.

He forged a strong reputation as a hard-running, ball-winning midfielder, and he enjoyed a dominant period as one of the elite players in the competition.

His most damaging seasons came from 2009-2012, where he won his three Best and Fairest awards and was named in the All-Australian team twice, all while captaining the Club from 2011-13.

In the last few seasons Boyd has become a dependable defender, and was a crucial cog in the Bulldogs’ 2016 premiership team, a season which was capped with a third All-Australian selection.

Boyd has averaged 25 disposals per game in his career to date (the second most by a Bulldogs player who has played over 100 games), and has kicked 85 goals.

Career highlights:

Captain: 2011-2013

Premiership side: 2016

Charles Sutton Medal: 2009, 2011, 2012

All Australian team: 2009, 2011, 2016

International Rules Series: 2008, 2010