Port Adelaide defender Alipate Carlile has announced his retirement from the AFL.
The 29-year-old, who played 167 games for the club since his debut in 2006, struggled through injury this year when he managed just two AFL matches.
Carlile also missed the back-half of the 2015 season with a hip injury, before a wrist injury in round two, followed by a season-ending knee injury, eventually produced his decision.
"It's been a bit disappointing - the injuries - but it's helped me transition into life after football," Carlile said.
"The injury last year was painful, but I thought I'd be able to get back from it.
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"Unfortunately I was chasing my tail all pre-season and in the end it was a straightforward decision for me."
Carlile was pick No.44 for Port Adelaide in the 2005 draft, and was named the Power's best player under 21 in 2008.
He was awarded life membership of the club last season, but has been forced to play more of a mentoring role in recent years as he battled injuries.
He now plans to continue his involvement in football through work in multicultural programs, while he is currently opening his second gym in Adelaide.
