ESSENDON midfielder David Myers will retire at the end of the season after losing the drive to compete at AFL level. 

Myers, 30, has spent large parts of the season in the VFL after effectively dropping himself after the Bombers' narrow round eight loss to Sydney. 

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He has played 123 games since Essendon picked him at No.6 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, having battled injury issues throughout his career. 

Myers in action for Essendon's VFL team. Picture: AFL Photos

in a letter to Essendon fans, Myers said it was time to make room for the club's next generation to live their AFL dreams. 

"Football is a brutal game, and it requires you to give every part of yourself in order to have a chance at being successful," he wrote.

"I have known for a while that I no longer carry the level of drive and motivation that the game demands and that my teammates and coaches deserve.

"I know in myself that the time is right for me to step away from the game at the end of this season and allow others to have the chance to live their dream."

Myers is a member of Essendon's leadership group and will continue to be available for selection during the AFL and VFL finals campaigns. 

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