Reigning Jack Dyer Medallist Daniel Jackson has announced his retirement from AFL football, effective immediately.

Jackson, who played 156 games and kicked 61 goals in an 11-year career with Richmond, told the Club’s playing group this morning that he was bowing out due to the heavy toll injuries had taken on his body.

The 28-year-old was restricted to just 10 games this season, after winning the Tigers’ Best and Fairest in 2013.  He had an interrupted pre-season, and was restricted by hip and glute injuries during the year.

Jackson was recruited by Richmond from Carey Grammar at pick 53 overall in the 2003 AFL National Draft.

He made his senior league debut with the Tigers as an 18-year-old in Round 16, 2004 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, picking up 13 possessions, taking three marks and applying five tackles in a solid first-up performance.

With his strong build and appetite for the contest, Jackson eventually found his way into Richmond’s midfield.

Although there were setbacks along the way, with injuries and suspensions, Jackson managed to provide the team with plenty of valuable grunt and leadership in his midfield role. 

In his 10th season of league football last year, Jackson took his game to another level.

He played a major role in the Tigers breaking a 12-year finals drought with his productive work in the midfield, averaging 22.3 disposals per game and kicking 18 goals.

Winning the Jack Dyer Medal for the first time was fitting reward at season’s end for Jackson’s fine efforts throughout 2013.

Unfortunately, injuries have prevented him from replicating that form on a consistent basis this season, although he did rack up a career-high 34 disposals in the Round 7 match against Geelong at the MCG.

Daniel Jackson has given his all for Richmond over the past decade, overcoming the various obstacles that confronted him, to have a league playing career he can be mighty proud of.