Harrowing details emerge in Tom Rockliff's AFL retirement at 31

Port Adelaide midfielder Tom Rockliff has announced he will retire from the AFL immediately due to blood clots on his lungs.

Rockliff has been out of action since May, when he injured both knees playing in the SANFL.

'NOT GOING TO CUT IT': Taylor Walker savaged over apology video

STRENGTH: AFL world rallies around Sam Docherty after devastating diagnosis

Surgery was required, and while the operation on his knees was successful he had to be rushed back to hospital after it was discovered he had deep vein thrombosis.

Soon after that, it was discovered the former Brisbane Lions captain was suffering from a series of clots in his lungs.

Rockliff had not taken part in contact drills since returning to training several weeks ago, but said on Tuesday that he had made the decision to retire after doctors raised concerns he risked death if things went awry on the field.

"I spoke with the specialist and the clot is still there," Rockliff said.

"They can't guarantee it'll go away and if you get hit where that clot is, it can transport up to your lungs, so the risk factor was too high and it's not really worth risking your life over.

"It is the best thing in the end for me to call time on my career.

"The people I have spoken to have celebrated with me but there have been a few tears shed.

"It's been emotional but also the right thing to do."

Rockliff played 208 games after he was selected by the Brisbane Lions with the fifth pick in the 2009 pre-season draft.

Tom Rockliff retires from AFL following dire medical advice

Rockliff informed his teammates of his retirement on Tuesday morning, bringing an end to his 208-game career.

The two-time Lions best-and-fairest winner moved to Port as a restricted free agent before the 2018 season but his career never took off at the Power, despite being able to string together a series of strong displays in 2019 and 2020.

Power coach Ken Hinkley was saddened by Rockliff's retirement.

"Tom is outstanding person to have around the group, as much as sometimes he annoys the hell out of us," Hinkley said.

"He would have to be one of the smartest players I have come across in my time in the game and it is a shame he has been unable to get back on the park following a very unusual and frankly pretty unfortunate set of injuries.

"It is telling of his character that he didn't sit there and get down about his bad luck and instead continued to bring energy to the group and help guide our younger players."

With AAP

Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.