COLLINGWOOD forward Jesse White will retire from the AFL at season's end "comfortable" he is leaving at the right time.

The 29-year-old has kicked 71 goals in 56 games for the Magpies, after 71 matches and 73 goals for Sydney. He was unable at Collingwood to add to the six finals he played at the Swans.

White has been stuck at VFL level since round four, after playing no fewer than 16 senior matches in his previous three seasons in black and white, when he was a key part of the forward line with Travis Cloke.

"I’m really grateful for the time I’ve spent at both Collingwood and Sydney; the relationships I’ve built and the opportunities afforded to me while at both clubs," White said on Thursday.

"Having spent the last 11 years playing football professionally, it’s strange for it to come to an end, but I’m really comfortable with my decision to wrap up my football career at the end of the season.

"I’m looking forward to the future, spending time with my family and pursuing interests beyond the game."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley praised White for the versatility he offered the club after crossing from the Swans ahead of the 2014 season.

"Jesse talked to me a week or so ago about where he was at and the thing I noticed was how at ease with the decision he was," Buckley said.

"In his mind, it was time and it was clear to him, and me, that he was making the right call. Jesse has been a first-class teammate and someone who was always prepared to do what was asked of him. 

"In his four years with us, he played back, forward, ruck, wing, tall and small roles and always willingly."