MICHAEL Jamison has become the second Carlton veteran to retire in a week as the Blues usher in a new era under coach Brendon Bolton.

Jamison, 30, was a key member of the Blues' defence for almost a decade but played just five senior games this year.

The key defender last played in the round eight win over Port Adelaide and subsequently played just one VFL game a month ago, having been sidelined with illness for several weeks mid-season.

Jamison was contracted for 2017 but like long-time teammate Andrew Walker, who announced his retirement last Tuesday, he has opted to bow out early.

Who's hanging up the boots? Keep track of 2016's retirements and delistings

Jamison announced his retirement in an open letter to Blues fans on Monday afternoon.

"In recent times, I have found it increasingly hard to prepare, both physically and mentally, for the rigours of the sport," Jamison said.

"Being a representative of our football club demands an individual give nothing short of 100 per cent, and I've come to the realisation that I can no longer sustain the intensity required to play AFL.

"Since I made the decision to retire, I've had a chance to recall some of my achievements over my 10-year journey at the Blues. Experiences like going from a rookie-listed player to captaining the team on occasions and my tenure as vice-captain seem surreal, and I thank the club for allowing me to represent it in those prestigious positions."

Recruited as a 20-year-old in the rookie draft at the end of 2006, Jamison made his debut in round 18, 2007, and over the next few seasons established himself as Carlton's No.1 key defender, regularly manning the opposition's most dangerous power forward.

Jamison played 150 games for the Blues, a tally that would have been higher but for a succession of shoulder, knee and hamstring injuries.

The defender played his best football in 2013 and 2014.

In 2013, he played all 24 of the Blues' games and finished sixth in the club's best and fairest award, while he missed just two games the following year and again finished sixth in the John Nicholls Medal count.