Star Hawthorn midfielder Shane Crawford has announced his retirement only weeks after agreeing to terms with the Hawks for the 2009 season.

Crawford was initially keen to extend his career for another year after the young Hawks surprised everyone with a brilliant win over more highly-fancied Geelong in this year’s epic Grand Final.

However, a period of soul-searching away from the emotion of the drought-breaking premiership win has yielded a change of heart for the veteran.

"The recent break and distance away from the game has enabled me to re-think what I wanted to achieve in footy - and the answer is that I have achieved what I had hoped, when I set out," he said.

"Winning a premiership with Hawthorn has been the highlight of my career. I am proud to have represented one club and will look back at everything we have achieved over my 17 years at the Hawks with fond memories."

Crawford calls time on a stellar 305 game career that began in 1993 and went over 17 seasons and included a Brownlow Medal in 1999 and four Club Champion awards.

The 2008 season saw Crawford battling knee tendinitis and struggle to get his body up week in and week out for the rigours of AFL football. Crawford was keen to go out in the best way possible.

"Having some time to reflect; standing on the podium on Grand Final day as premiers had always been my ultimate goal. It is a great way to go out of the game – on a high, with a premiership medal, at a time of my choosing, " he said.

"The Club have been fantastic through this time and I can’t thank them enough for their support in letting me come to my own decision."

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson had nothing but praise for the retiring star.

"Crawf has been an outstanding role model to so many in the game, " he said.

"He was still one of the best trainers and he can stand tall knowing that he gave every last drop for the Hawthorn Football Club. He has wrung the towel dry and he can walk away proud, having played his part."