“I said earlier in the week that I was close to making a decision on my playing future and after discussions with the club and with our coach Shane Flanagan I have made the call,” Gallen wrote in an open letter to members.

“While we still have some big games to go in 2018 and finishing this season on a positive note is our main focus, hopefully with another grand final appearance, I can now confirm that I will be playing on in 2019.

“Plenty of people quote my age and the fact that I was 37 earlier in the week, however the body feels good, training is still something I look forward to and the feedback from the coach and those that matter, say my contribution to the team on game day is strong.

“I've always said age and my birth certificate would never make this decision for me if everything I've explained above was in order. And personally, I believe I've got plenty left to give, which has ultimately led me to make this decision.

“If I play 15 games or 25 games next year, while winning is the main aim, part of my role will also be to bring through and to help develop the next crop of talented young players at our club, as I've tried to do in recent years and as I'll continue to do.”