DUAL-club small forward Lindsay Thomas has announced his retirement.

Thomas played at North Melbourne for 11 years and upon being delisted at the end of last season, went to Port Adelaide as a rookie.

He finished with 212 career games, including seven at the Power, and booted 329 goals.

Thomas, 30, played in the SANFL on Saturday afternoon and booted a goal as the Magpies lost to North Adelaide by four points.

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"I made the decision to retire yesterday after speaking with my family and my manager. It just felt right to finish my career today where my senior career started at Port Adelaide," Thomas said.

"I started my junior career in 2004 with Port Adelaide SANFL captain Steven Summerton and to be able to share our retirements today was amazing."

Originally from Port Lincoln in South Australia, Thomas previously played six SANFL games for the Magpies before being drafted by the Kangaroos at No.53 in 2006.

"I thank North Melbourne who took a punt on me in 2006 and really embraced me and my family. I had an amazing 11-year career there and I can't thank them enough," Thomas said. 

"And then to come home and finish my career here at Port Adelaide, where it all started, makes me feel very blessed," he said. 

Port football manager Chris Davies paid tribute to Thomas.

"We gave Lindsay the opportunity to continue his career because we knew the kind of person he was and the knowledge and experience he could pass on to our younger players," Davies said. 

"It is a credit to his professionalism and drive that he not only made his mark as a mentor, but fought his way into the AFL side and made an impact on the field. 

"We wish him well in the future, whatever it holds."