Stalwart GWS defender Phil Davis has announced his retirement from football at 32 years of age.

Drafted to the Adelaide Crows in 2008, Davis joined the Giants as one of the club's first uncontracted acquisitions, going on to captain GWS from 2012 to 2019.

Davis played 192 games across 15 AFL seasons, demonstrating his defending prowess against a number of the game's best attackers.

Giants CEO David Matthews expressed his thanks to Davis, who 'exemplified' the club's culture.

"It's hard to put into words what Phil means to our club," Matthews said as part of a Monday afternoon press release.

"When we were building the GIANTS, we were looking to bring in quality players but also quality people for us to build a club and culture around.

"Phil has exemplified that from day one โ€“ and then some โ€“ as he's built the GIANTS to where we are today.

"He is revered as one of the best leaders in the game and he, along with Callan Ward, truly set our club up for success from the very early days. Together they set high standards, drove a family culture, and led us through every challenge.

"We should also never underestimate the quality of football Phil played over a long period of time. His courage and determination can never be questioned as he came back from a life-threatening kidney injury to take on โ€“ and consistently beat โ€“ some of the best key forwards we've seen in the game.

"He got everything out of himself as a player, and as a person he leaves a lasting legacy. He should be immensely proud of everything he's achieved in his career."

GWS Chairman Tony Shepherd echoed Matthews' congratulations.

"Phil will be a GIANT for life and the influence he's had on our group will be felt for many years to come," Shepherd said on Monday.

"Phil is an uncompromising competitor who got everything out of himself, made his teammates better, and leaves the club as an instrumental figure in building the GIANTS to where we are today.

"He will always be our inaugural co-captain, our first-ever Grand Final captain, and one of the most significant players in our history.

"We wish Phil all the best in his post-football career, which given his tremendous skills, commercial acumen and endearing personality, will be immensely successful.

"Congratulations, Phil."

Davis joins teammate Daniel Lloyd in announcing his retirement midweek.