Kerr made the decision after the Eagles’ final match of the 2013 season in August, ending a decorated career that saw him make 220 senior appearances for the club.

The 30-year-old, who played a key role in the Eagles’ 2006 premiership, has been troubled by injury in recent seasons, which contributed to his move to retire.

“I’ve been lucky to be able to wake up every day and do what I love, but lately it has become harder to get my body to carry out my mind’s instructions,” Kerr said in a statement.

“It was hard to come to terms with the fact that I probably wasn’t going to be able to play to the standard that I wanted, but I recognise that my best football is past me and it’s time to step aside to let the new generation through.

“I’ve had the time of my life at this football club and I’ve made friends that I’ll keep until the end of my days.”

Kerr was recruited by the Eagles in the 2000 national draft and made his senior debut the following year.

He was runner-up to team-mate Ben Cousins in the 2005 Brownlow Medal count, only days before being a member of the Eagles side that lost to Sydney by four points in the grand final.

Kerr played just 10 matches in 2013, having been sidelined with a knee injury for much of the Eagles’ campaign.