The two-time Geelong premiership player last played seniors in round eight this season before suffering the injury in the VFL in June. 

The 30-year-old, who was in his second season with the Demons after 10 years as a Cat, said he felt lucky his career extended as long as it did but was disappointed not to see out his final year. 

"You can't pick and choose when your injuries come. Some players get them a lot earlier in their career, and I've had a pretty good run with injuries in my time," Byrnes told melbournefc.com.au.

"I can't really complain, but it's disappointing that it's come right towards the end of my career and I wasn't able to play out the season.

"Upon reflection, I've had a pretty good run so it's a little bit bittersweet, but I'll look back on my career with a lot more fond memories than disappointments."

Byrnes came to Melbourne at the end of 2012 as an unrestricted free agent. 

He played in Geelong's 2007 and 2009 premiership sides after being drafted as a rookie in December 2002. 

Melbourne football operations manager Josh Mahoney said Byrnes "certainly had an impact" in his time as a Demon. 

"Besides his on field contribution, Shannon's experience and training standards have helped develop some of our younger players," Mahoney said. 

Byrnes is looking at coaching opportunities, and will work with developing his skills in that area with the Demons for the rest of the season. 

He retires having played 131 AFL matches, 108 with the Cats and 23 with the Demons.