Western Bulldogs forward Barry Hall announced his retirement today after a stellar 283 game career that spans 16 years at the top level and 715 goals.

Barry will play the remainder of the year at the Bulldogs - and then will officially hang up his boots at the end of the season.

At 34 years of age, Hall said it was time to give his body a break and move onto the next phase of his life.

“I’m really looking forward to ending my career on a high here at the Bulldogs, especially after the great opportunity the Club presented to me,” Hall said.

“I look forward to starting the next chapter of my life…my body will definitely thank me for it.”

Recruited from Murray Bushrangers at pick 19 to St Kilda in the 1995 national draft, Hall became the most feared power forward in the game with his unrelenting attack on the football.

His move to Sydney after 88 games and 144 goals with the Saints provided many highlights including a best and fairest award in 2004 followed by co-captaining the 2005 premiership side for the Swans.

After 162 games and 467 goals with the Swans, Hall was welcomed to the Kennel in 2010 and had an immediate impact, kicking 80 goals in his first season and winning All-Australian honours for the fourth time in his career.

A two time Coleman medal runner up - Hall has won 10 club goal-kicking awards throughout his career including at the Dog’s in 2010.

A revered character in football ranks, Hall said he will hold fond memories of his time at the Kennel and thanked the Club and Coach Rodney Eade for having faith in recruiting him after a controversial year at the Swans.

“I am incredibly grateful for my time at the Bulldogs and want to thank the Club, my team mates and all of the Dog’s supporters for the opportunity to wear the red white and blue,” Hall said.

“It’s been a real privilege to play for the Bulldogs and there is no doubt that I will have some great memories of my time here at Whitten Oval”.

A Western Bulldogs pre-season premiership player in 2010 and Bulldogs preliminary finalist player in the same year, Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick said that Hall had made a significant contribution to the Club since his arrival and that he will be missed by many.

“Although his time with us was relatively short, we certainly consider Barry to be one of ours - a Bulldog through and through,” Garlick said.

“His tenacity, strength and pride in his jumper - reflect what the spirit of the Red, White and Blue is all about.”

Senior Coach Rodney Eade had enormous praise for the power forward and said his professionalism and leadership were some of his greatest strengths.

“Barry’s professionalism and ability to educate younger players and act as a mentor has been fantastic. Having him here has been a huge win-win for both Barry and the Club,” Eade said.

The Western Bulldogs look forward to seeing Barry play out a fine career over the coming weeks and we urge all our dedicated Members, fans and supporters to get behind him and give him the send-off he deserves.