Greater Western Sydney have lost one of their most experienced players, with veteran defender Joel Patfull announcing his retirement from the AFL on Wednesday.
To fulfil a required player payment and for the club to adhere to the total player payment (TPP) obligations, Patfull has been delisted by the Giants, but will be selected by the club at next month's rookie draft.
He will be rookie-listed on the Giants roster for 2017, as approved by the AFL.
Patfull, 31, played 220 games, 182 of them in nine seasons for Brisbane, where he won best-and-fairest awards in 2012 and 2013.
He contributed valuable experience to a youthful Giants backline over the past two seasons, adding 38 appearances to his career tally,
"I feel like the time is right to retire and I leave the game with no regrets," Patfull said.
"I never imagined playing over 200 games was possible.
"I leave the Giants knowing the club is heading in the right direction and I hope to see this driven group achieve the ultimate success in the near future."
Giants general manger football Wayne Campbell described Patfull as a no-fuss player who had an enormous impact on the club.
"His maturity and ability to play on both tall and small forwards added great value to our young list," Campbell said.
"Joel helped shape the careers of a number of our young players."
