'Incredibly difficult': AFL player's devastating retirement at 29

Hawthorn midfielder Tom Scully has stunned the AFL community and called time on his career at the age of 29.

Scully spoke to his teammates on Tuesday and told them he would be retiring effective immediately after losing his passion for the game.

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Scully played 189 games across stints at Hawthorn, Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney before deciding to step away from training while deciding his future.

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to make as football has been such a big part of my life," Scully said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I have been thinking for a long period of time now as to my future in the game and after much consideration I have decided now is the best time for me to step away and pursue other interests.

"After 11 seasons in the AFL I understand the demands that this game requires of you.

"And after much thought I know in my heart I have lost the passion and commitment that is required of me to continue."

The speedster said he cherished the friendships he had made during his career.

“I am so grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that football has given me and I will take away some lifelong memories and friendships,” he said.

Hawthorn praise Tom Scully for his dedication

The club said it respected Scully’s decision and wished him the best.

“Tom has given his heart and soul to our game for 11 years and he is now ready to switch focus to the next chapter of his life,” Hawthorn’s Interim head of football Rob McCartney said in a press release.

“Tom‘s work ethic and commitment to improving has endeared him to everyone at our club and these qualities will certainly hold him in good stead in life outside of the game.

“As a number one draft pick and three-club player, Tom has been an outstanding contributor to the game of AFL and should walk away incredibly proud of the resilience and character he has showed over the years.

“We wish him all the best for whatever lies ahead and thank him for this contribution to the brown and gold.”

with AAP

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