Defender Michael Firrito is the first of North Melbourne's four departed stars to confirm his AFL retirement.
Firrito made the announcement on Tuesday night, three days after North's season ended with the 62-point elimination final loss to Adelaide.
The 32-year-old played 275 games in 14 seasons at North.
Fellow veterans Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie and Nick Dal Santo also played their last games for North, with the club opting not to offer them new contracts.
Harvey said on Monday night he could have played at North next year.
Speaking at Tuesday night's AFL Players Association awards, Petrie and Dal Santo said they remain uncertain about their AFL futures.
North looked at releasing Firrito at the end of 2013 but he rallied and played at least 20 games in each of his last three seasons.
"The last three years have probably been the most enjoyable time of my career," he said.
"I thought I was done at the end of 2013 and I think most of the football world had put a line through me.
"The journey and the growth of myself as a footballer and as a person has all been under this roof ... and hopefully I've left a mark for other players to follow as well."
North elevated Firrito from their rookie list in 2003.
