HAWTHORN defender Danny Jacobs has retired from football after 126 games at the top level.

Jacobs ended his 10 year AFL career due to a hip injury.

He was progressing following surgery at the end of the 2007 season but his latest setback limited his preparation for the 2008 season and eventually led to his decision to retire.

It's been a tough two years for Jacobs who has had to endure eight operations in the past 36 months.

After telling the playing group of his decision this afternoon, Jacobs said he was disappointed not to have been able to play more matches for Hawthorn.

"The Club has been awesome and has supported me through everything and I couldn't have asked for anything better, it's just a little disappointing that I didn’t get to play more footy," Jacobs said.

"It wasn't through a lack of trying, I put myself out there it just didn't go my way."

Jacobs, 27, arrived at the Hawks at the end of 2003 after being traded from Essendon, where he spent five years and played 81 games. Jacobs spent most of his time in defence where his courage, strong marking and ability to read the play were features of his game.

"I'd like to be known as a player who tried his best," Jacobs said.

"I've had injuries since my third year of AFL and there are some people who give up and just say I can't do it. The one thing that I've prided myself on is that I've tried everything, I've pushed my body to the limits, but in the end the hip got the better of me," Jacobs said.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson paid tribute to Jacobs' career.

"Danny has been such a big part of the footy club for the best part of the last five years," Clarkson said.

"Unfortunately his body has let him down and it's been tough for him to get out there and make a regular contribution to our side, but when he was fit and ready to go he was a very important part of our team.

"He has prepared himself tremendously well for life after footy and we wish him well as he tackles the next chapter of his life."

Jacobs said he would forever feel a part of the Hawthorn family.

"The support I have received during my time at Hawthorn has been fantastic, whether its been at family day, training or when I've been on crutches that type of support really gets you up," he said.

"I can’t thank the supporters and Club enough, they have been excellent."

In retirement Jacobs has passed on his number 8 jumper for the 2008 season to third-year player Xavier Ellis.

Jacobs said, "Xavier and I have been pretty close since he has come to the Club and I think he will get more games in the jumper than I did.

"I hope he has a great career and it gives me an extra interest to watch someone with the jumper I used to wear."