WESTERN Bulldogs key position player Andrew McDougall has announced his retirement from AFL football, effective immediately.
McDougall has been hampered by injuries since crossing to Whitten Oval from the West Coast Eagles at the end of 2006, but has featured regularly for the Bulldogs' VFL affiliate Williamstown.
The 24-year-old played just five games for the Bulldogs and kicked two goals after 38 games and 48 goals for his previous club.
He was yet to play a senior game this season.
Western Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia confirmed in a statement on Thursday that McDougall had signed out of his contract after a weekend home in Perth.
"He met the coaches last week and discussed his future and I think he felt that it was time to move on," he said.
"There is no animosity at all and the club wishes him well with his future endeavours."
McDougall was selected with pick No. 5 in the 2000 National AFL Draft.
