Gibson confirmed his retirement at a press conference on Tuesday. 

The 33-year-old Hawthorn defender revealed the 2017 season - his 12th in the AFL - would be his last. 

Gibson, who joined Hawthorn from North Melbourne in 2010, is a three-time AFL Premiership winner with the Hawks, and a one-time All Australian. 

He was also awarded Hawthorn's Best and Fairest in two of their Premiership winning seasons (2013 & 2015).

Gibson has been injured since Round 12 and will likely not play again this season, meaning he has already played his last AFL game. 

“I’ve probably known for most of the year that this would be my last season,” Gibson said.

“I still love coming to the club every day, but as we’ve seen over the past couple of months there are several young guys ready to take over the reins in the back end and I’m more than happy to step aside for them.

“Since getting injured in Round 12 I’ve been working really hard in my rehabilitation but I’m only back to around 75 percent fitness and given the development of our young defenders, I’m content with the fact that I won’t play another game of AFL footy.

“While I’d love to run out in the brown and gold one more time, I’d never do so at the expense of a young player with their whole career ahead of them. I’m satisfied knowing that I’ll leave the club with nothing left in the tank and with memories and friendships that’ll last a lifetime. 

“I would like to thank everyone at Hawthorn Football Club for embracing me and making me the player I am today. This place has become like family and I’ll be forever grateful that Clarko saw something in me back in 2009 and gave me the opportunity to come to Hawthorn and be part of something pretty special.

“I’d also like to thank North Melbourne for taking a chance on me in the Rookie draft back in 2004, the Hawthorn fans and members for embracing me, and Nigel and the team at TLA for their ongoing support. 

“Lastly, I’d like to thank all my family and friends, without your support and belief I wouldn’t be where I am today.”