McPhee calls time on AFL career

Fremantle utility Adam McPhee has officially retired from AFL football just a month after signing a one-year contract extension.

The 223-game veteran cited family reasons for the sudden decision to return home to Melbourne.

McPhee said his family in Melbourne had always been very supportive of him pursuing his AFL dream, but eventually there came a time when he felt he had to consider their needs ahead of his career.

"Bree [wife] and I and our two boys are really close to our families in Melbourne and, while I don't regret any moment of my time at Freo, we have found it difficult at times being apart from the rest of the family," he said.

The 30-year-old said leaving Fremantle when he felt the club was on the verge of success had made the decision incredibly difficult.

'I've been in the system for 12 years, and I had always wanted to play in a premiership," he said.

"I feel the team has really grown over the past 12 months. There's a great deal of talent mixed with experienced players and Ross Lyon appears to be the right man to lead them from this point on.

"The future for the team looks really bright, however, this has only made my decision harder. But I'll still be watching with passion and pride, hoping the club is successful."

Football manager Chris Bond said he understood the personal reasons behind the veteran's decision to return home to Melbourne.

"We are very disappointed to lose a player of Adam's calibre and capability," Bond said in a statement released on Tuesday.

"Adam's highly respected and he made a significant contribution to the playing group with his experience, professionalism and preparation, which is elite.

"We understand the personal reasons for the decision and Adam, Bree and the boys have our full support."