ADELAIDE defender Andy Otten has announced his retirement after 109 senior games and 12 seasons at the top level.

The 30-year-old was cruelly struck down by two knee reconstructions, but fought his way back to play at the start of the 2017 season, his first game in 960 days.

Otten has largely played a mentor role for the club's younger players in the SANFL in the past two seasons.

However, he managed three straight games between rounds 19 and 21 before losing his spot for last weekend's 66-point loss to Collingwood.

"This jumper means the world to me as it resembles blood, sweat and tears, countless laughs, some amazing games, plus experiences and stories that will last a lifetime," Otten told the club's website.

WHO'S HANGING UP THE BOOTS? Your club's retirements and delistings

"Even though I have kind of known this year would be my last, saying and hearing the word retirement and admitting to yourself that the time has come is still tough to do.

"It has been one hell of a ride and I say that with a smile on my face, satisfied that I've given all I can to play in the AFL for 12 years."

Otten is unlikely to be gifted a farewell game with the Crows needing to beat the Western Bulldogs at Ballarat on Sunday to keep their finals chances alive.

He could finish his career with a SANFL premiership, the Crows sitting third on the SANFL ladder with one game to play before finals.