RICHMOND veteran Troy Chaplin has retired, effective immediately, after 215 games with the Tigers and Port Adelaide.
Chaplin, who has struggled to earn senior selection this year as the Tigers turn to youth, will remain with the club in a coaching capacity for the rest of the season.
The 30-year-old told his teammates on Tuesday and said after 13 seasons at the top level the time was right to enter his next phase in the game.
"The body's not been able to handle it as well as I would have liked this year and as a result my form has dropped off a fair bit," he said.
"Mentally I'm still there … but the past month training-wise has really taken a toll and I just can't get up for it like I used to.
"I'd love to go round again and there's no doubt in the next six or seven weeks I'm going to be asking myself, 'Why am I doing this right now?'
"But I'm at ease now. It's probably been on my mind for a little while and I can happily say that I've been extremely lucky to have 13 great years at two great clubs."
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Chaplin played 140 games in nine seasons at Port Adelaide, before joining Richmond as a restricted free agent at the end of 2012.
Former football manager Craig Cameron lured him to Punt Road Oval on a four-year contract after trying unsuccessfully to secure the defender in a trade at the end of 2011.
An emotional Chaplin thanked coach Damien Hardwick for being transparent with him and said after four seasons with the Tigers he felt like he'd played his whole career with the club.
"I knew where the body sat and it was hard at times, but you've just been open and honest with me the whole time," he told Hardwick.
"That's why I love you as a coach but as a bloke as well."
Chaplin played eight senior games this year and has spent the past six weeks in the VFL, where he said the club's young players have reinvigorated him.
He plans to be "entrenched" in the coaching program for the next six weeks.
Football manager Dan Richardson thanked the veteran defender for the excellent service he has provided the Tigers since crossing from Port.
"Troy has been an outstanding contributor to the club over the past four seasons," Richardson said.
"He has been a fine role model for the playing group with his determination, professionalism and leadership.
"Troy has always maintained a high standard of performance, highlighted by his top-three finish in the Jack Dyer Medal in 2013.
"We are delighted that he has agreed to remain at the Club in a coaching capacity. Troy has a great football brain and there is little doubt he has a bright future as a coach."
Chaplin was recruited by Port Adelaide with pick No.15 in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft, going on to play 140 games for the club.
He finished second in the club's best and fairest in 2010 and third in 2009.
