McIntosh announces AFL retirement

Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh has announced his immediate retirement after an injury-plagued AFL career.

Geelong's Hamish McIntosh has announced his immediate retirement after an injury-plagued AFL career. (AAP)

Ruckman Hamish McIntosh has called time on his AFL career after injuries limited him to just 19 senior games in three years with second club Geelong.

In all, the 30-year-old McIntosh played 126 games for North Melbourne and the Cats over 13 seasons.

"It's been an emotional few days," McIntosh told CatsTV.

"Unfortunately, my ankle has broken down again and I need surgery next week, so it's obviously forced my hand a little bit."