Former St Kilda and North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo has announced his retirement after 16 seasons at the top level.
Dal Santo's time at the Kangaroos came to a controversial end with a round still to play in the home-and-away season as the club announced in a humble press release that he, Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie and Michael Firrito would not be offered new contracts for the 2017 season.
![Nick Dal Santo.](/web/20161111161944im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/j/w/2/a/u/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gskhh7.png/1454366384777.jpg)
The 32-year-old was still playing at a decent level in 2016, missing just one game and averaging 25 disposals.
As a result, he had expressed a desire to play on next year and had even been linked with a possible move to Collingwood or his old home St Kilda.
Ultimately there was not enough interest shown in the veteran from rival clubs and no offer was forthcoming.
Dal Santo finishes up on 322 career games to sit 34th all time in VFL/AFL history.
"After 15 years of highs and lows, I can now say that this chapter of my life is behind me. With mixed emotions and lots of processing, I'm excited about what's ahead," Dal Santo posted on Instagram.
"Combinations of media, coaching and corporate are the areas I'll focus on going forward. I have learnt so much from my time in the game and those who I've encountered on the way, which has put me in a great position to prepare for what's ahead.
"I'd like to sincerely thank the St Kilda FC and North Melbourne FC, along with all the dedicated supporters, for allowing me to play the game I love for 15 years.
"To my four coaches who have each taught me something different; Grant Thomas, Scott Watters, Brad Scott and a special mention to Ross Lyon, thank you.
"Most importantly, the teammates I have shared this journey with – our friendships go beyond the field. And of course, thank you to those who have shared every step with me, Julie, Jude, family and friends, the unconditional love and support will always be appreciated.
"As a 17-year-old leaving Bendigo I never imagined this is where football would take me and give me the life it has. I will forever be grateful."
After 260 games, three unsuccessful grand finals and three All-Australian guernseys in 12 seasons, Dal Santo left St Kilda to join the Kangaroos at the end of 2013 as a free agent.
The former No.13 pick was instrumental in helping North Melbourne to three consecutive finals campaigns, including back-to-back preliminary final appearances in 2014 and 2015.