Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric has announced his retirement from AFL football, effective at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old informed the Club’s playing group of his decision on Thursday morning.

“I believe it’s the right time and the right decision for the Club and for me, and that makes me feel at peace and happy with the call,” Maric told his teammates.

Maric, has played 157 senior AFL games since making his debut for Adelaide in Round 6, 2006.

Maric crossed to Richmond from the Crows at the end of 2011 and has played 80 senior games for the Tigers, including a breakout season in 2012 when he placed third in the Club’s best and fairest.

This year he has taken on a mentoring role for Richmond’s developing ruckmen and played in eight matches for the VFL Tigers.

The Tiger tall said he was committed to seeing out the Club’s 2017 campaign.

“I want to see out the year by preparing my absolute best, to give myself the chance to compete at my best for the team,” Maric said.

“I won’t be pulling up short, I want to finish all the way to the finish line.”