A DEGENERATIVE knee issue has forced West Coast ruckman Jonathan Giles to retire.

The 29-year-old journeyman, who had a contract for next season, leaves the AFL after 63 games at four clubs over six seasons.

Giles crossed to the Eagles at the end of 2015 after plying his trade at Port Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and Essendon.

He managed nine appearances for West Coast, and will be remembered for his stunning effort against Sam Jacobs in round 23 last season when he was called up to face Adelaide the week after Nic Naitanui tore his anterior cruciate ligament.

But he managed only five senior games in 2017, despite Naitanui and Scott Lycett appearing just once between them for the season.

"The knee was no good; the osteoarthritis from several years of bone-on-bone has got the better of it," Giles said.

"I step away from AFL footy knowing that I gave everything I had, left no stone unturned and scrapped for every opportunity possible.

"I’d sincerely like to thank the club for the opportunity to continue my dream of an AFL career and I wish my teammates and the club every success moving forward."

Giles struggled to train in the latter half of the campaign and football manager Craig Vozzo said retirement was his only option.

"Unfortunately for big Joffa the knee injury has impeded him, particularly this season," he said.

"In light of the medical report, he really had no option but to retire from AFL football.

"He played an important and selfless role for the club, coming here with no promises to offer us coverage in the ruck area.

"We wish to think Joffa for his efforts on and off field in the last two years and wish him every success with the next phase of his life."

Giles' retirement takes the confirmed list changes at West Coast to six this season.

Veterans Matt Priddis, Sam Butler, Sam Mitchell and Drew Petrie have hung up the boots, while Irish youngster Paddy Brophy went home mid-year.

The Eagles are yet to announce any delistings after their 67-point semi-final loss to GWS.

Experienced forward Mark LeCras and full-back Eric Mackenzie have signed one-year deals to play next season, but several players are facing unclear futures including Sharrod Wellingham, Josh Hill and Tom Lamb.