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NICK Dal Santo has officially announced his retirement from football after a 15-year career with St Kilda and North Melbourne.
Dal Santo, 32, was told in August he would not receive another contract from the Kangaroos, with Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie and Michael Firrito delivered the same news.
He had expressed some interest in playing on if the offer was right but said in an Instagram post on Tuesday he would look for a career in coaching, media and the corporate world.
"After 15 years of highs and lows, I can now say that this chapter of my life is behind me. With mixed emotions and lots of processing, I’m excited about what’s ahead," Dal Santo said.
"Combinations of media, coaching and corporate are the areas I’ll focus on going forward. I have learnt so much from my time in the game and those who I’ve encountered on the way, which has put me in a great position to prepare for what’s ahead.
"I’d like to sincerely thank the St. Kilda F.C and North Melbourne F.C, along with all the dedicated supporters, for allowing me to play the game I love for 15 years."
Dal Santo played 322 matches after being drafted by the Saints with pick No.13 in the 2001 NAB AFL Draft.
That leaves just seven players – Luke Hodge (No.1), James Kelly (No.17), Steve Johnson (No.24), Sam Mitchell (No.36), Leigh Montagna (No.37), Gary Ablett (No.40) and Jarrad Waite (No.46) – remaining from the 2001 'super draft'.
