Nathan Bock this morning advised the Gold Coast Football Club of his desire to retire from the game, effective immediately.

Prior to signing with the GC SUNS, Bock played 113 games for the Adelaide Crows after being selected in the 2002 Rookie Draft, and at the end of the 2010 AFL season joined the Gold Coast as an uncontracted player selection.

A Best & Fairest winner and All-Australian player at the Crows, Bock played 27 games with the GC SUNS.

Bock’s football career hit a major hurdle during the GC SUNS’ game against Fremantle in round 6, 2012, when he severely fractured his leg, requiring extensive surgery.

Following a long rehabilitation Bock returned in round 19, 2013, playing two matches before undergoing surgery once more to remove a rod initially inserted to stabilise his leg.

The round 20 match against Melbourne at Metricon Stadium proved to be Bock’s final AFL appearance.

Bock admitted it was a difficult and disappointing end his AFL career, without having the chance to recover fully from a severely fractured leg.

“It has been a long road back to play after fracturing my leg, and despite my best endeavours and those of the medical and high performance staff, unfortunately the time has come to end my football career,” Bock said.

“I have loved playing footy over the last eleven years with both the Adelaide and Gold Coast Football Clubs.

“I feel very fortunate to have played for two exceptional football clubs; while the decision to leave Adelaide was a tough one, I am extremely pleased that I have played a role in establishing the Gold Coast SUNS, a club I strongly believe will go on to bigger and better things in the years to come.”

GC SUNS coach Guy McKenna paid tribute to Bock’s contribution.

“Nathan has played an enormous role in our club’s formative years. He did an awful lot of heavy lifting in the early years, and unfortunately, following his devastating injury in 2012, he was unable to demonstrate this on-field,,” McKenna said.

“We will be forever grateful for his contribution and we wish Nathan well in his future endeavours,” McKenna said.