Richmond ruckman Sam Naismith has confirmed that his AFL career is over.

Naismith, 32, was a great success story when the Club signed him in November last year from Port Melbourne (VFL) as a Delisted Free Agent to bolster their ruck stocks.

The 206cm big man had previously spent 10 AFL seasons at Sydney, where he played 30 senior games, including the 2016 AFL Grand Final.

After three knee reconstructions and more than a dozen other operations from accompanying complications, Naismith was delisted by Sydney at the end of 2022.

A dominant 2023 for Port Melbourne shot Naismith back into AFL calculations, and his first pre-season as a Tiger was equally impressive, earning him a Richmond debut in the Opening Round.

02:12

Koschitzke, Naismith, Campbell jumper presentation

Seth Campbell, Jacob Koschitzke and Sam Naismith receive their Richmond jumper from past player, Jacob Townsend.

Naismith’s return to AFL football after 1,354 days was a great triumph, and he added two more games for Richmond, including the Anzac Day Eve match against Melbourne.

Unfortunately, Naismith again ruptured his ACL playing for Richmond’s VFL team in late May, ending his return season.

Naismith said that after 11 years in the AFL system, Richmond was where his story would finish.

“After this year, I'm going to be hanging them up,” he told the playing group yesterday.

“I have only been here at Richmond for such a short time, but this has been the best year of my football career.

08:57

Naismith's emotional retirement speech

Sam Naismith reveals to Richmond teammates he will be retiring from the AFL.

“I have enjoyed so much about this group here and how it has made me feel. It has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding opportunities to come in here and work with you guys and represent the club, and be able to come back and actually play AFL footy again.

“It is probably something that when I was at my lowest of lows, that I did not really think was achievable.

“Coming in here and being supported by this group. It is a pretty special place.”

Since his season-ending injury mid-year, Naismith has remained around the group, forming a close bond with and providing wisdom to the other players in the ACL rehab group.

“I have learned that perspective is everything, and I've just been so grateful to be able to come in here,” he added.

“So, thanks to everyone for the opportunity, and yeah, that's it.”

Naismith, who was the 59th pick in the 2012 AFL Rookie Draft, played 33 AFL games.