AFTER 14 seasons with the Brisbane Lions, veteran fullback Daniel Merrett has announced his retirement.

The 31-year-old told his teammates on Tuesday afternoon that next week's final round against St Kilda would be his last match.

It will also be Merrett's 200th game – a great achievement for a Queenslander who only turned his hand to the sport as a 16-year-old.

After stating less than a month ago he was keen to play on in 2017, Merrett said the time was right to hang up the boots. 

"I thought I wanted to play on next year, I thought if you’re able to play, if you’re capable – keep going," Merrett said.

"But, I probably sat down on the weekend and thought, 'What do I value in life the most?' And that’s my family.

"For the last five years it’s been bloody hard, copping 60, 70 inside 50s every week playing full-back on the best forwards, it’s bloody stressful.

“I just want to give more time to my family and it probably feels like a little bit of the fire has burnt out inside. 

"The one thing that has kept me going is the knowledge I can share with the younger guys, particularly the defenders. It’s one of the main reasons I play."

Merrett was drafted in 2002 as a forward/ruck, and after two full years in the system made his debut in 2005.

He went on to become the Lions' most reliable defender over many years and has copped an avalanche of inside 50s in recent times.

"For the last 12 years I’ve been playing seniors we haven’t had a whole deal of success," he said.

"It’s been pretty tough but I wouldn’t give it up for anything. 

“How can you complain about this job? I’ve never taken it for granted. It’s shown this year with Jase (Justin) Clarke something can be taken away from you in a second."

Merrett will continue to help out at the club next season, guiding the Lions’ young defenders as well as helping out in welfare.