COLLINGWOOD forward Quinten Lynch will retire at year's end, bringing the curtain down on a successful 13-year AFL career.

The 31-year-old told Magpies teammates of his decision on Monday afternoon, although he will continue to play while the AFL and VFL teams' seasons remain alive.

His two-year stint at the Magpies did not pan out exactly as he intended, although he will forever be remembered as a key player in West Coast's 2006 premiership triumph.

As an Eagle, Lynch played 209 games and kicked 281 goals – twice being crowned the club's leading goal kicker.

Lynch said he had no regrets about his move to Collingwood, with a serious leg injury limiting his senior opportunities this season.

He played 18 games in 2013 after joining Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the previous season.

"I have enjoyed a wonderful ride," Lynch said in a statement.

"The frustrations of this year have only been a small part of a long career I was never sure I would have. It was fantastic to enjoy success with the Eagles and to finish my career in Melbourne with the experience of playing on the MCG in front of big crowds for a wonderful club."

Collingwood director of football Rodney Eade said Lynch's influence at the club extended beyond the football field.

"'Q' set a wonderful example, particularly for our younger players,” Eade said.

"He was a fantastic person to have around the club. His attitude, his training standards, his investment in the team and his teammates was always outstanding. 'Q' will leave with a lot of friends at Collingwood."

Lynch and wife Daneka plan to move back to Perth with children Addison and Louis in October.

"I have a lot of people to thank at two clubs and, hopefully, a lot of teammates to catch up with on both sides of the country in the years to come," Lynch said.