GEELONG games record holder and triple-premiership player Corey Enright has announced his retirement.

The star defender bows out as one of the most decorated Cats in club history, and finishes his career after earning a sixth All Australian gong this season (he is just the second player in the AFL era to end his career in an All Australian year - Leon Davis, in 2011, is the other).

Enright, 35, was emotional on the field after the Cats' preliminary final loss to the Sydney Swans, suggesting that he might hang up the boots.

He retires after 332 AFL matches.

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"It has been a privilege to play for this great club and alongside so many champions," Enright said on the Geelong website.

"Obviously the success we have enjoyed over the past 17 years has been a highlight, but the friendships and relationships that I have made over my time with the club will endure for the rest of my life, and that in itself is a highlight.

"I would like to thank everyone from the Geelong Football Club, from teammates, to coaches and staff, for making it such a memorable time in my life.

"While football is a serious business, my time at the club has been very enjoyable and I have always looked forward to coming through the doors each day.

"The supporters have been amazing and very vocal and passionate and we are lucky as a club to have such a loyal following.

"Finally, I would like to thank my family for their support and the sacrifices they have made over the past 17 years. Without their support I could not have enjoyed the playing career that I have had.

"I will now take some time now to assess what the future holds."

Boris: What you may not know

Enright overtook Ian Nankervis' club games record in Geelong's round 19 win over the Western Bulldogs.

A draft bargain at pick 47 in 1999, he was twice best and fairest in premiership years in '09 and '11 and played in 24 finals, including four Grand Finals.

His 220 career wins is also a club record.

Enright was a brilliant one-on-one defender whose ability to read the play and launch attacks from half-back made him invaluable during Geelong's golden era.

But the unassuming veteran's leadership around the club is perhaps his greatest contribution to the Cats.

"Corey leaves a legacy that will be impossible to replicate," coach Chris Scott said.

"He has played at a high level throughout his career, and that continued through this year.

"Corey is not only a great player, but he has shown outstanding leadership both on and off the field during his time at the club.

"The statistics and honours speak for themselves, but it's the work that he has done with his teammates outside of the public view that sets him apart.

"Corey has always been willing to help other players, to pass on his knowledge and to do everything he can to make the team better. He is the true embodiment of what we want our players to be.

"Boris will be difficult to replace on the field and around the club. We wish him well with whatever he takes on next, and I’m certain that if he was to pursue a coaching career he will be successful."

With Enright's retirement, the Cats have lost another link to their triple-premiership era after the departures of Steve Johnson, James Kelly and Mathew Stokes last season.

Only seven premiership players remain on the Cats' list and all eyes will now be on Jimmy Bartel, who will meet with Scott this week before deciding whether to play on in 2017.

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