Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd has announced his immediate retirement from football at just 23.
The key forward/ruckman cited a loss of desire to play the game after dealing with injuries and a battle with mental health.
Boyd announced his decision via club statement on Thursday.
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"My decision to retire now is a reflection of issues I’ve had over the past five years both with physical injury and with mental health, and they have now accumulated to a point where I just don’t have the desire to play or the enjoyment of the game I used to have," Boyd said.
"I have received unbelievable support from the players, coaches and staff at the Western Bulldogs, particularly over the last couple of years, which I will always appreciate.
"Leaving the game as a premiership player is something I will always be proud of, along with all the enduring relationships I have forged and the memories I have created along the way."
Boyd will likely be best remembered for his dominant three-goal, eight-mark (six contested) performance in the Dogs' drought-breaking 2016 grand final win.
Tom Boyd goes long...
How will it bounce?
The stadium holds its breath...
IT'S A GOAL!
And the western suburbs erupt!!
The former number one draft pick hangs up the boots after 61 games, 52 at the Bulldogs since moving from the Giants at the end of 2014.
Boyd was signed to a seven-year, $7 million deal when he joined the Dogs, placing him under plenty of pressure to perform.
That, along with consistent injuries largely plagued his time at the club, with his 15 games in 2016 the highest total for any of his four full seasons at the Dogs.
The club confirmed in Thursday's statement that Boyd's payments for the 2020 and 2021 seasons would be cancelled, while 2019 would be reduced.
Boyd's contract will however remain in the club's salary cap until the end of 2021.
Bulldogs football manager Chris Grant thanked the Victorian for his contribution to the club.
"We worked very hard to bring Tom to the football club at the end of 2014, and he has been a great contributor to the Bulldogs for over four years," Grant said.
"Everyone at the Bulldogs is saddened to hear of Tom’s decision to retire, given he is a much-loved and respected person around the club."
Boyd's retirement opens up a place on the Bulldogs' list for the upcoming mid-season draft.