Geelong midfielder Jack Steven has announced his retirement from the AFL, as first reported by The Age'sย Peter Ryan.

AFL Media's Mitch Cleary reported earlier this month that the 30-year old had held preliminary discussions with the Cats about an early release from his contract with a financial settlement.

โ€œWe are happy for Jack that he has made this decision and wish him well in his future,โ€ Geelong GM of Football Simon Lloyd said in a statement.

โ€œJack had an outstanding career and we enjoyed having him play with us this year. Itโ€™s great that Jack is back home on the Bellarine and we look forward to seeing him enjoy the post-football part of his life.โ€

Steven signed a two-year deal with Geelong at the end of last season but struggled to make an impact at his new club.

He made nine senior appearances in 2020 and was hampered by a slow start to the season as recovered from a stab wound in May as well as ongoing soft tissue injuries.

The former Saint played 192 AFL games after making his debut in 2009.