MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 02: Jake Carlisle of the Saints watches on during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the St Kilda Saints at Avalon Airport Oval on March 02, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

St Kilda defender Jake Carlisle has announced his retirement from the game, the club has confirmed.

The 29-year-old will draw curtains on a 12-year career that spanned across the Saints and Bombers, first dating back to the 2009 National Draft.

Carlisle was recruited to Essendon with the 24th overall selection and would make his debut the following year against Collingwood in Round 20.

Utilised at either end of the ground, Carlisle emerged as a key asset to the Bombers across six seasons in the red sash.

Jake Carlisle
Jake Carlisle of the Bombers kicks the ball during the round three. Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac

The Calder Cannons product moved to St Kilda ahead of the 2016 season and has played a total of 151 games across his stints with the two Victorian clubs.

Injuries have limited Carlisle's opportunities in recent years, with the St Kilda backman managing just 27 appearances in the past three seasons.

Speaking on the announcement, Saints list manager James Gallagher thanked Carlisle for his service to the club.

“We’d like to thank Jake for his contribution to St Kilda and congratulate him on his career,” Gallagher said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Jake Carlisle of the Saints celebrates a goal during the round two AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium on March 30, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

“It hasn’t always been an easy path, particularly with his recent long-term back injuries, but Jake has continued to persevere and do everything he can to return.

“We wish Jake all the best for the future. Jake, his partner Mel and children Nash, Layker and River will always be welcome as part of the St Kilda family.”