HARD-WORKING Adelaide midfielder Sam Gibson will retire at season's end.

The 32-year-old told teammates of his decision on Tuesday.

He has played 135 matches, with five for the Crows to date after transferring from North Melbourne.

A run of 130 straight games was ended in round one this year by a hamstring injury.

Gibson was delisted by the Kangaroos at the end of 2017, but was traded for No.91 in last year's NAB AFL Draft.

He was able to be swapped because his contract technically ran until October 31, while the deal between the two clubs was done a fortnight earlier than that.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to play at the highest level with both the Kangaroos and the Crows," Gibson told afc.com.au.

"North Melbourne gave me a chance when no-one else would and I had six wonderful years at Arden Street with some friendships and memories I'll cherish forever.

"It was a privilege to come to Adelaide late last year and be a part of this football club.

"There's a fantastic group of players and coaches here that will no doubt have success in the near future.

"For me, I'm looking forward to the next chapter, either here in Adelaide or back in Melbourne.

"I was a graduate engineer before I was drafted and hope to get back into construction, which is something I really love."

Adelaide coach Don Pyke paid tribute to Gibson's professionalism.

"Sam has only been with us a short time but his dedication and professionalism in his preparation has been a great example to our younger players," Pyke told afc.com.au.

Gibson was rookie drafted by North in 2012 at No.63, but also spent time on Hawthorn's list.

He has averaged 22 disposals throughout his career and was ranked No.1 in the competition for uncontested possessions per game in 2014.

Gibson finished third in North Melbourne's best and fairest in 2016, when the Roos came eighth and lost to the Crows in an elimination final.