Former Hawthorn and Bulldogs defender Matt Suckling has announced his retirement from the game after 178 games in the AFL.

In a post to social media, the 32-year-old expressed his gratitude to the Hawks and Bulldogs for their assistance in the past 14 years.

Sucking ends his career a two-time premiership player with the Hawks, where he joined the club via the 2009 Rookie Draft with the 81st pick.