St Kilda coach Brett Ratten has heaped praise on Jarryn Geary after the "great warrior" was forced to call time on his AFL career.
Geary announced his retirement on Thursday, effective immediately, after it was deemed he needed a full shoulder reconstruction.
The 34-year-old hasn't played since round 12 last year, with his battered body no longer able to handle the bash and crash of the AFL.
Geary was struck down by compartment syndrome in a thigh and also a broken leg in 2019.
A serious dislocation of his shoulder while tackling Sydney's Lance Franklin last year proved to be his final act on an AFL football field.
"We would not be in the position we are today without Gears' leadership, honesty and courage," Ratten said.
"It's always sad when one of your great warriors calls time, but you can't help but feel immense pride for everything Jarryn has achieved and done for this football club.
"He's never backed down or thrown in the towel, he's always fought hard and put his body on the line for his teammates and his bravery is rivalled by very few.
"Above all, Jarryn is fiercely loyal, both to his football club and those around him."
Geary's rise from pick No.58 at the 2007 rookie draft to club captain in 2017 was inspirational.
The 207-game veteran captained the club for four years, including being co-captain with Jack Steele last season, before stepping down from the role at the end of 2021.
"I've loved the journey I've had at the Saints and it's been something I've cherished for over 15 years of my life," Geary said.
"I couldn't have dreamed that when John Beveridge picked me out of Eaglehawk Football Club at pick 58 in the rookie draft that I would have ended up playing for so long and being captain of this club."
Geary will continue to be involved in the Saints' football program for the rest of the season in an unofficial capacity.
Ninth-placed St Kilda (9-7) will be aiming to claw their way into the top eight with a win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
