BRETT EBERT has announced his retirement from AFL football due to a number of injury setbacks.

The 2003 Magarey Medallist has battled calf, hamstring, adductor and osteitis pubis injuries since the start of the 2013 season and announced his decision with players and coaches this morning.

Ebert's injury woes have frustrated his 2013 campaign after he missed less than 10 games in the first 10 years of his career.

Ebert entered the AFL in 2002 as a father-son selection and had a large legacy to live up to.

His father Russell was a four-time Magarey Medallist, three-time premiership player and played a total of 392 games.

Over the last 11 years Brett, who turns 30 in November, has created his own legacy playing a total of 166 games for the Power and has kicked 240 goals, the third most in the club's AFL history.

The 2003 Magarey Medallist said that in the end the decision was not a hard one to make.

“I’ve always wanted to finish at the end of this year, that was my aim. Obviously it’s disappointing the way it turned out with the injuries. But I’ve got 11 years of great memories,” said Ebert.

Although 2013 has been a frustrating year for Brett, he looks back on 2004 as his proudest moment of his career.

“Obviously 2004 was a great high for the club, little bit of a disappointment for me not playing but I was a part of the motorcade and I was in the squad."

"That was awesome to be a part of,” he said.
 
Ebert gave thanks to Power's coaches and his teammates as well as for the endless support from volunteers within the club.

He gave special mention to supporters who turned up every week to cheer for him and the team.

“To all the supporters, members and the sponsors I’ve really enjoyed your support and enjoyed playing in front of a loud Port Adelaide crowd,” he said.

While Ebert has called an end to his AFL career, there is still a chance he will play again.

“We’ll wait and see, there’s a team that I’m looking to play for, but we’ll wait and see how that goes," he said.

"Firstly I’ve got to get my body right, I won’t be running until January so I might enjoy myself and then get into it again in the New Year.”

Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley said he was disappointed he never saw Ebert play during his time at the helm, but is proud of the character and presence he brought to the club.

“He just tried so many times to get his body right and give himself a chance,” Hinkley explained.

“All the coaching staff and all the people at this football club wanted to see Brett be a part of our football this year.

“He did not let himself down in any way about the way he tried to get it (his rehabilitation) done and how desperate he was to play.

"Right up until the very end I know how important it was for him to get a spot in this side.”

Hinkley says the Magarey Medallist will be missed both on and off the field at the club and will always remain as part of the Port Adelaide family.

“He told his teammates about his decision to retire and you can just tell he is so popular amongst our club.

"It’s not just because he is a great footballer, it’s because he is a great bloke.”

Ebert will be farewelled with a lap of honour at AAMI Stadium in the Power’s Round 23 clash with Carlton.