Thurstans hangs up his boots

PORT Adelaide premiership player Toby Thurstans has retired after 110 games with the club.

The 29-year-old was recruited from the Dandenong Stingrays with pick 39 in the 1998 NAB AFL Draft, but had to wait until 2003 to make his AFL debut.

However, he quickly cemented his spot in the team and booted three goals in the grand final of 2004 as the Power won the flag.

Thurstans said his decision to retire had been coming for a while, despite some good form during the 2009 season.

"I simply don't think I have enough left in me to get through another season," Thurstans said.

"The mental and physical rigours of an AFL season demand so much, and I am not the sort of person who is going to go on unless I think I can contribute 100 per cent.

"I'd really like to thank the Port Adelaide footy club for the faith they have shown in me, and especially Choco (coach Mark Williams) for the persistence he showed in sticking with me early in my career.

"I'd also like to thank my wife Alana for all her support and of course my mum and dad who have always been tremendously encouraging."

Williams said Thurstans' career showed how persistence can pay off.

"Toby retires with an AFL premiership medal after waiting four years to play his first game," Williams said. "And he didn't just play in that grand final - he played really well.

"Toby has a great football brain, was a wonderful team man with great compassion for others, and has decided to retire on his own terms."

Thurstans retires a life member of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

He is studying construction management and economics and will now look to develop a career in the construction industry.