GWS defender Joel Patfull announces retirement

Giants defender Joel Patfull has called time on his AFL career, after 220 games with Brisbane and GWS.

Patfull joined the Giants at the end of the 2014 season and played 38 games in orange, and was a member of Greater Western Sydney's preliminary final loss to the Western Bulldogs.

In a strange twist, the 31-year-old will be selected by the Giants in the rookie draft next month.

The move will see Patfull rookie-listed by the Giants in 2017, but only as GWS need to adhere to the Total Player Payment obligations and fulfill a required player payment.

Given Patfull's successful career which included two best and fairest awards at the Lions in 2012 and 2013, the defender is thankful for the career he had and is excited to move on to the next stage of his life.

“I feel like the time is right to retire and I leave the game with no regrets,” said Patfull.

“I’m very fortunate to have played at two clubs and gained the lifelong friendships I have.

“I never imagined playing over 200 games was possible, and I’d like to thank my family as well as everyone at the GIANTS and the Brisbane Lions for their support throughout my career.

“I leave the GIANTS knowing the club is heading in the right direction and I hope to see this driven group achieve the ultimate success in the near future.”