Scully retires from AFL football

Former number one draft pick Tom Scully has retired from AFL football at age 29, saying he's lost the passion to play the game at the highest level after eleven seasons and 187 games across three clubs.

The hard running wingman was contracted by Hawthorn for 2021 but has walked away from the game after 35 matches in brown and gold over the past two seasons, previously having played at the Greater Western Sydney Giants and Melbourne after been selected at pick one in the 2009 AFL Draft.

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to make as football has been such a big part of my life," Scully said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I have been thinking for a long period of time now as to my future in the game, and after much consideration I have decided now is the best time for me to step away and pursue other interests.

"After 11 seasons in the AFL I understand the demands that this game requires of you.

"And after much thought I know in my heart I have lost the passion and commitment that is required of me to continue."

Scully played 31 games in two seasons for the Demons before moving to the Giants, where he played 121 games until being traded to Hawthorn at the end of the 2018 season.

He added a further 35 games for the Hawks, whose interim head of football Rob McCartney said he understands Scully's reasoning.

"Tom has given his heart and soul to our game for 11 years and he is now ready to switch focus," McCartney said.

"As a number one draft pick and three-club player, Tom has been an outstanding contributor to the game of AFL and should walk away incredibly proud of the resilience and character he has showed over the years."

Scully had stepped away from the club last month to consider his future, fellow former Giant and Hawks team mate Jonathon Patton stood down by the club after investigations in to his off field behaviour.

Veteran ruck/defender Ben McEvoy was last week appointed the club's captain for season 2021, replacing the retired Ben Stratton.

IMAGE: Perth Now.