Sam Butler announces retirement

West Coast defender Sam Bulter has announced his retirement in a press conference on Tuesday.

The 166-game veteran debuted for the Eagles in 2004 and won a premiership with the club in 2006.

The 31-year-old joined the Eagles with the 20th pick in the 2003 AFL National Draft, but has struggled over his career with injuries, and only played more than 17 games in a single season once.

“It has been a wonderful ride, but the time has come,” Butler told westcoasteagles.com.au.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and when I take the time to reflect, I know I’ll be really proud of what I have achieved.

“To be a life member of this footy club and to have played in a premiership team have been really special moments in my life. To be a part of this club forever really means a lot to me and I look forward to watching this current group grow and push to achieve the ultimate success.

“There is no doubt there are some very special young players in the squad combined with a core group of great senior players and I will be in the stands supporting them.

“When I look back on my career I have absolutely no regrets and would like to thank everyone at the club who has played a part in helping me achieve the things that I have managed. Most of all, to all the blokes that I have played with over the last 14 years, I’d like to thank them for being mates.”

West Coast general manager of football Craig Vozzo said Bulter was a fantastic person to have around the club and was well-loved by all.