FREMANTLE forward Shane Yarran has retired from the AFL, the Dockers announced in a statement on Monday.

The 27-year-old had been on personal leave since the start of December following a charge of unlawful wounding.

He also made a brief court appearance earlier this month for a charge of aggravated common assault which he intends to plead not guilty to.

Yarran, a mature-age recruit to the Dockers at pick No.61 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, played six senior games this season.

Dockers chief executive Steve Rosich said the decision for Yarran to retire was in his best interests.

"We have met several times during the past two weeks and again today to discuss Shane’s welfare and the best way for him to cope with the personal and off-field matters he is facing," Rosich said.

"A focus of those discussions was to establish a course of action that would best cater for Shane’s welfare in the long-term.

"It was agreed two weeks ago that allowing Shane to take a period of personal leave would allow sufficient time for him to focus on resolving his personal and off-field matters.

"However, upon further reflection by Shane and his management it was agreed that a longer-term solution was required, which would allow him to focus solely on his personal and off-field matters - without the pressure and demands of being an AFL footballer.

"It was agreed by all parties today that it was in Shane’s best interests that he retire from AFL football immediately.

"It was a difficult decision for Shane to reach, but both he and his management believe that focusing on his personal and off-field matters at this time needs to take priority over his football career."

Rosich said despite the retirement of Yarran, the club would continue to support him.

"We wish Shane all the very best, and the club will continue to provide ongoing support to Shane post his retirement, including allowing him to access the club’s medical and support services," Rosich said.

"We will also be assisting Shane with future employment opportunities that may be available to him."