Collingwood forward Jesse White has announced he will retire from AFL football at the end of the season.
White, 29, played 56 games for the Magpies, kicking 75 goals, after crossing from Sydney, where he played 71 games and kicked 73 goals.
He struggled to cement his spot in the side over the past few seasons, managing just four games this year, after 16 matches in 2016.
“I’m really grateful for the time I’ve spent at both Collingwood and Sydney, the relationships I’ve built and the opportunities afforded to me while at both clubs," White said.
“Having spent the last 11 years playing football professionally it’s strange for it to come to an end, but I’m really comfortable with my decision to wrap up my football career at the end of the season.
“I’m looking forward to the future, spending time with my family and pursuing interests beyond the game.”
Coach Nathan Buckley echoed White's thoughts that it was the right time to hang up the boots.
“Jesse talked to me a week or so ago about where he was at and the thing I noticed was how at ease with the decision he was,” Buckley said.
“In his mind it was time and it was clear to him, and me, that he was making the right call.
“Jesse has been a first class team-mate and someone who was always prepared to do what was asked of him. In his four years with us he played back, forward, ruck, wing, tall and small roles and always willingly.
“There is a lot of respect and warmth for Jesse at Collingwood and we wish him, along with his family, the best for the future.”
