NATHAN Bock says his decision to retire has been brewing over the past month.
The versatile Gold Coast key position player informed the club and his teammates on Tuesday morning, his decision effective immediately.
Bock played 140 games in total – 113 for Adelaide and 27 for the fledgling Suns.
A best and fairest winner and All Australian in Adelaide, injuries cruelled Bock's time with the Suns, in particular a fractured leg sustained early in 2012.
Following a long rehabilitation, Bock returned in round 19, 2013, playing two matches before undergoing surgery once more to remove a rod initially inserted to stabilise his leg.
Bock admitted it was a difficult and disappointing end to his career, but said he had little choice in the end.
"Late last week I knew in my own mind it was time, but it's something that's been on the cards over the past month," Bock said.
"When I played my last game in the NEAFL and struggled to walk for a about a month, that's when it came to light that I'd probably struggle to play any AFL footy this year.
"That was the biggest reality check of it all."
Bock said walking up the four stairs to Gold Coast's gym was becoming difficult.
Bock played four matches in the NEAFL this season, but could find no continuity with his injury.
He said the past two years had been stressful and he would need some time away to contemplate his future – hopefully in either coaching or the media.
"When I initially did it, I probably didn't realise the extent of the rehabilitation," Bock said.
"I didn't realise it would be as long and tough a road as it would be. There was some down times, no doubt about it, but I'm truly grateful for the opportunities I've had.
"We thought having the rod removed from the leg … would definitely help to get back to full fitness. Unfortunately that created a whole new dimension of problems."
The former Crow was dragged into the supplements scandal in May 2013 following a News Limited report that he was being investigated for alleged use of banned peptides in late 2010.
Suns coach Guy McKenna paid tribute to Bock’s contribution.
"Nathan has played an enormous role in our club’s formative years. He did an awful lot of heavy lifting in the early years," McKenna said.
"We will be forever grateful for his contribution and we wish Nathan well in his future endeavours."
