Priddis announces shock AFL retirement

In a surprise turn of events, West Coast veteran Matt Priddis has announced he will hang up the boots at the end of the season.

The 2014 Brownlow Medal winner only put pen to paper on a new contract for 2018 seven weeks ago.

"I've made the decision that this will be my last year of footy," he said on Friday.

"I'm fully committed to playing this year out and helping the footy team get in the top eight and play some finals footy this year. I'm excited by that.

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"This is something I've thought about for a period of time. And in consultation with (coach Adam Simpson) and the match committee, I think this is the right decision for me going forward."

The 32-year-old denied he was pushed out by the Eagles, who have one of the oldest lists in the league and have been inconsistent this year.

"This is my call. I know it's the right decision," he said.

His dramatic drop in form during the second half of the season raised concerns about whether he could go on in 2018.

Priddis said it had been an emotional few days while he grappled with the prospect of retiring.

In the end, he knew he could no longer produce his lofty standards in the midfield.

And Priddis said he simply wasn't fast enough to make the transition into the forward line.

"i've always known I'm an inside mid. And playing forward or going back was never going to get me into the AFL system," Priddis said.

"I put my own hand up and say I probably can't make enough of a contribution to the team in the forward line.

"The speed is probably one of the most important things up there."

Simpson paid tribute to Priddis, who won the 2013 best and fairest and finished runner-up four times between 2010 and 2015.

"It was an emotional time today, no doubt. He's one of our greats," Simpson said.

Priddis made the 2015 All Australian team in what was the club's best season since their 2006 premiership.

The Eagles finished second on the ladder and reached the grand final, only to be overwhelmed by Hawthorn at the MCG.

The news comes hot on the heels of reports that Sam Mitchell will announce his own retirement before the end of next week.

with AAP