Geelong’s triple premiership winning ruckman Brad Ottens has decided to retire from football.

“I think the time is right,” Ottens said of his decision.

“The club has been great to me and I have had long discussions with Chris Scott about playing on. The time has come to make a decision and I think it’s the right time to retire.

“I have had a great time through my career and would like to thank all of the people that have made playing so much fun. In particular my team mates at Geelong and Richmond, and the supporters who have been fantastic and passionate about the teams.

“I feel fortunate to have played with such a great group at Geelong and the success that we have enjoyed will keep us together forever.”

Cats’ coach Chris Scott paid tribute to Ottens.

“Brad has served the club fantastically well and I am really pleased that I spent the past year with him,” Scott said.

“Brad’s ability to overcome setbacks and injuries, and to produce for his team mates can not be overlooked. Otto deserves to be remembered along with the other great Geelong players of this era and I know that his team mates and coaches know just how important he has been to the club’s success. He has been one of the elite big men in the AFL for over a decade and has carried a big load for the club in his seven years here.”

Ottens joined Geelong in a trade from Richmond following the 2004 season. He went on to play 116 games in the navy & white hoops, and was a key member of the 2007, 2009 and 2011 premiership teams.

The 31 year old Ottens played 20 games this year to bring his career tally to 245. He was an All Australian in 2001 and booted 261 goals.

Ottens debuted with Richmond in the opening round of the 1998 season after being the second player selected in the 1997 draft. He played 129 games with the Tigers, and his performance in 2001 was a key reason that Richmond made it through to the preliminary final.

After crossing to Geelong, Ottens became the club’s 1,000th player when he opened the 2005 campaign against his former team. He booted three goals in that game and quickly became a favourite among the Cats faithful.

Ottens will long be remembered for his best on ground performance in the 2007 preliminary final win over Collingwood and his run down and tackle of Michael Pettigrew in the opening quarter of the 2007 grand final win over Port Adelaide.

Other highlights include the AFL mark of the year in 2006, a high flying effort against the Swans at Homebush. He was Geelong’s best clubman in 2009 and played for Australia against Ireland in the international rules series in 2001.