West Coast premiership midfielder Jack Redden has announced his AFL retirement despite triggering a fresh one-year contract extension and being one of the team's best players this season.
Redden finished sixth in the club's best and fairest award this year, and had the option of playing on in 2023 after reaching the 19-game trigger for 2022.
The 31-year-old has been weighing up his future in recent weeks, and surprised people at the club with his decision to retire.
"I am really content with the decision," Redden said in a statement.
"I thought about it for a few weeks after the season and it just feels like it is the right time, both personally and for the club which is going through a rebuild.
"I will be eternally grateful for the opportunities given to me and that I have been able to play 14 seasons at the highest level.
"To play in the 2018 premiership is obviously a highlight, but I have also had the chance to create some lifelong friendships."
Redden was selected by Brisbane with pick No.25 in the 2008 national draft.
The South Australian played 129 games for the Lions across seven seasons before switching to West Coast at the end of 2015.
He notched a further 134 games for West Coast, with the highlight being the club's flag-winning campaign in 2018.
Redden was named player of the finals that year and also finished runner-up to Elliot Yeo in the club's best-and-fairest award.
"From the first day he set foot in the club Reddo impressed with his professionalism and attitude," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said in a statement.
"He is highly respected right across the club and was obviously instrumental in the 2018 premiership.
"He has strong values that align with his work ethic and we are certainly going to miss him. His influence both on and off the field has been profound."
Redden joins champion forward Josh Kennedy in retirement, while Junior Rioli has asked to be traded to Port Adelaide.
Former Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn is expected to receive a one-year contract extension after starring this season.
