Carlile managed just two AFL games this year in a season marred by injuries to his wrist and posterior cruciate ligament.

Recruited in the 2005 national draft with pick 44, the 29-year-old made his AFL debut in 2006 and was named the club’s best player under 21 in 2008.

He was made a life member of Port Adelaide in 2015, and with three seasons left to play by most ,men his age, the experienced campaigner will be sorely missed.

“It’s been a bit disappointing – the injuries – but it’s helped me transition into life after football,” Carlile said.

“Kenny (coach Ken Hinkley) and I had a real honest chat about it and we both walked out the room smiling, because we both knew it was the right decision.”

“Port Adelaide gave me an opportunity back in 2005 and I’m really lucky to play my whole career at this club – to be a one-club player – have 100 games and my name on the locker, it’s all really significant to me,” Carlile said.

Hinkley said the decision for Carlile to retire was a tough one, not only through the loss of a quality defender, but also an excellent clubman.  

“Bobby is one of those characters who you love having around your footy club, he’s always got a smile on his face, but he works just as hard to get the most out of himself,” he said.

“To see him play some of his best footy for Port Adelaide in the last couple of years is something I reckon most people would have been really happy with, for me it has definitely been a highlight.

“He was one of our best players early last year, so right up until those injuries he was playing really good team footy and was an important part of our back six.”