Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel has officially announced his retirement, ending a stellar career with the blue and white hoops.
The Brownlow medallist's future had been in limbo up until last week, when Fairfax Media reported on the breakdown in communication between Bartel and the club after the Cats' preliminary final loss to Sydney.
Bartel had triggered a one-year contract extension, but has decided to hang up the boots.
His career ends after 305 games, which included a Brownlow, a Norm Smith and he was twice All-Australian.
In a statement on Geelong's website, Bartel said: "I wanted to take my time once the season finished before I made this decision.
"I am forever grateful to have been drafted by the Cats and I hope in some way to have repaid the faith that was shown in me all those years ago. While I feel I still have more to give, I understand the bigger picture and respect the direction the club wants to move in. So therefore I have decided the time is now right to retire from the game.
"Over the past 15 years I have played out every dream I ever had and I leave the game satisfied that I have given everything I had in every game. To have played with my home town club and to have shared in the success we have had has been an incredible experience.
"I was very fortunate to have played with some amazing players, but even more importantly better men, which always made the game fun. I always looked forward to coming into the club and will miss that. However, I am excited to weigh up my options and to explore the next step.
"There are so many people to thank. First and foremost thanks goes to my and Nadia's families, my mum and stepdad Rob, sisters Olivia and Emma. Nadia and Aston who have helped me enjoy the career I have had and grow into the person that I am today."
