West Coast midfielder Sam Mitchell has announced his retirement from AFL football.
The 34-year-old will play out the season, his first at the Eagles, after 307 games and four premierships at Hawthorn over 15 seasons.
Mitchell will move into a coaching role with the Eagles next season.
The 2012 Brownlow Medallist joins fellow Eagles veteran Matt Priddis in announcing his retirement over the past week, with Priddis calling time on his career last Friday.
"It's time for me to hang up the size nines. It's been a brilliant journey," Mitchell told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's out last fixtured game in Melbourne this year so that's the reason for calling it now.
"Being a one year Eagle and a fifteen year Hawk, it's not easy to sit here. I have so many people to thank at Hawthorn.
"Moving here, I've absolutely loved it. It's a fantastic footy club and everyone is working so hard.
"I spoke with plenty of people. Last year I thought that this would be my final year.
"I'm hugely passionate to get to work every day, how I can help young players, but my passion has shifted to my coaching.
"My brain is fast enough, but soon enough my body won't be. I'm really happy with the decision."
During his successful career at Hawthorn, which included four premierships, Mitchell was a five-time club champion, and was named to the All-Australian team three times.
He joined the Hawks with the 36th pick in the 2001 National Draft, and won the J.J. Liston Trophy as the VFL's best and fairest in 2002 in his first year at the Hawks.
Mitchell went on to play 21 games in 2003 in his first full season with the club, and was rewarded with the Rising Star award.
Over his illustrious 16-season career, Mitchell has averaged 26.4 disposals, 3.1 tackles, 4.5 clearances and 3.0 inside 50s per game.
