GEELONG ruckman Hamish McIntosh has been forced to retire after succumbing to another ankle injury.
The 30-year-old announced his immediate retirement on Wednesday after revealing he needs surgery on his ankle.
"It's been an emotional few days," McIntosh told the Cats' website on Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, my ankle has broken down again and I need surgery next week, so it's obviously forced my hand a little bit.
"I'll be retiring from AFL footy today. It's sad ... I've been a bit of a mess, really, because it's been an amazing journey to play for 13 years for two great clubs, in North Melbourne and here.
"It's been a ball, it's been so much fun, but unfortunately it all ends today."
McIntosh played 126 games at North Melbourne and Geelong.
He joined Geelong in 2013 on a three-year deal, but only managed 19 games – all in 2014 – due to a string of injuries.
He is the third Cat to hang up the boots this year following Brad Hartman and rookie James Toohey.
• Who's hanging up the boots? Check out 2015's retirements and delistings
