PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Nick Dal Santo of the Kanagroos looks on during the AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the West Coast Eagles and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Domain Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Former St. Kilda and North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo has officially announced his retirement after failing to sign for a third club.

The 32-year-old was without a club after being one of four veterans delisted from the Kangaroos at the end of the 2016 season, and has since decided that his time in the AFL was up.

After a long and illustrious career spanning 322 games for the two clubs, Dal Santo took to Instagram to announce the news, and said that a combination of the media, coaching and corporate are the areas that he'll look to focus on in the near future.

After 15 years of highs and lows, I can now say that this chapter of my life is behind me. With mixed emotions and lots of processing, I’m excited about what’s ahead. Combinations of media, coaching and corporate are the areas I’ll focus on going forward. I have learnt so much from my time in the game and those who I’ve encountered on the way, which has put me in a great position to prepare for what’s ahead. I’d like to sincerely thank the St. Kilda F.C and North Melbourne F.C, along with all the dedicated supporters, for allowing me to play the game I love for 15 years. I’ve had great guidance, encouragement and opportunity from Stride Sports Management. During this time, I also have been privileged to be sponsored and supported by Puma, Brighton Mazda and Drummond Golf. To my four coaches who have each taught me something different; Grant Thomas, Scott Watters, Brad Scott and a special mention to Ross Lyon, thank you. Most importantly, the teammates I have shared this journey with – our friendships go beyond the field. And of course, thank you to those who have shared every step with me, Julie, Jude, family and friends, the unconditional love and support will always be appreciated. As a 17-year-old leaving Bendigo I never imagined this is where football would take me and give me the life it has. I will forever be grateful.

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The three time All-Australian became one of the competition's classiest midfielders during his time at the Saints, before playing out the final three years of his career at North Melbourne.

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