THE career of one of the AFL's great entertainers is over, with Gold Coast's Jared Brennan retiring today.
Brennan played 173 AFL games over 11 seasons for the Brisbane Lions (119) and the Suns (54).
The 29-year-old told the club he wanted to further explore his post football career and spend more time with his young family.
Brennan has had a troubled past two seasons with the Suns, being dropped on a number of occasions due to poor form.
Gold Coast general manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said Brennan had lost his desire to play.
"Jared and his manager Tom Petroro notified the club of their decision this week, informing us that Jared had lost his passion and hunger for the game," Ashcroft said.
"While it is always sad to see one of your experienced players retire, we understand Jared’s decision and will assist Jared with his transition into the next phase of his life."
"He's been with us for three years and was one of our first uncontracted players. He served us really well, one of only a few players to have played 50 games for our club.
"To play at the elite level, you need to have your mind, body and soul committed to it," Ashcroft observed. "He just doesn't have that any more."
Hailing from Darwin, Brennan was drafted by the Lions with the third pick of the 2002 NAB AFL Draft.
He burst onto the AFL scene with a stunning debut for the Lions against Collingwood in 2003, kicking a 55m goal and consistently running with the ball in one hand.
In 2010, the Suns recruited Brennan to the coast, where he played 54 games.
Following the delisting of five players last week, Brennan's retirement means the club have freed up the six spots they wanted to ahead of this year's draft.
Ashcroft says it's unlikely the club will be making any significant player movements before then.
"We'll make sure we see who's available and see what discussions we'll have with other clubs," Ashcroft told reporters.
"If there's a fit, we'll look at it but, at this point, we're not thinking we're going to be overly active."
