Watch Cameron Bruce's interview with HawksTV on his decision to retire from AFL football.

Cameron Bruce has announced his retirement from AFL after a decorated 13-year career at Hawthorn and Melbourne Football Clubs.

Bruce, 32, informed the playing group on Monday afternoon of his decision not to play on, following specialist advice that he risks doing further damage to an ongoing back injury. 

Bruce has been dealing with back and related injuries over the past few months, and has been able to run and train freely, but the long-term consequences and significant risk from match-play, particularly tackling and bumping, were made apparent after a scan last week. 

He will continue to assist the Club with coaching and leadership duties over the remainder of the season  as he prepares for the next phase of his life in developing and coaching AFL players.

Bruce joined Hawthorn Football Club last year, selected at No.5 in the 2011 Pre-season Draft, adding 10 games to his total of 224 achieved at Melbourne Football Club from 2000-2010.

He was drafted to the Demons at No.64 in the 1999 National AFL Draft, and earned a Rising Star nomination in his debut year (2000).

Bruce won Melbourne’s Best and Fairest award in 2008, was runner-up in 2002 and 2006, third place in 2009 and was named in the International Rules Series in 2002 and 2004.

In announcing his retirement, Bruce acknowledged those at Melbourne who gave him the opportunity as a teenager to play AFL.

“I would like to thank Neale Daniher, Danny Corcoran, Craig Cameron, Chris Fagan and Melbourne Football Club for initially giving me the chance to play AFL football, in particular Chris Fagan; I wouldn’t have played a single game if it wasn’t for him. He was there for my first game and he is here for my last,” Bruce said.

“My family also played a huge part in my career. My wife Julia and children Holly and Benjamin have been a fantastic support, alongside my mum, dad and brother Rick, my in-laws and extended family who have been there every step of the way over the past 13 years.”

Bruce also thanked Hawthorn for the chance to finish his playing career at the Club.

“I felt part of this Club straight away, the players and coaching staff were so welcoming and made the transition an easy one. I have gained some fantastic friendships and while I walk away as a player today, I will stay involved in this Club in any way possible.”

Hawthorn’s current Head of Coaching and Development Chris Fagan held positions at Melbourne Football Club in coaching and administration during Bruce’s time at the Demons, and he fondly reflected on Bruce’s career and character.

“Cameron is a real professional, and was right to the very end. The last game he played at Box Hill he travelled down the night before and stayed in Geelong so he could give himself the chance to play well. And he was Box Hill’s best player that day,” Fagan said. 

“I admire him because he made himself into a player - when he started he spent two years on Melbourne’s supplementary list and his determination, resilience and incredible work ethic were some of the reasons why Melbourne subsequently drafted him."

Hawks Coach Alastair Clarkson congratulated Bruce on his career with Melbourne and Hawthorn Football Clubs.

“I’d like to congratulate Cameron on a tremendous AFL career, for which he can be extremely proud of. He is the epitome of someone who left nothing in the tank, who was always striving to improve and was the ultimate professional,“ he said.  

“Although it didn’t work out as Cameron would have hoped on the field, he has made a significant contribution to our Club and we’re delighted he is eager to contribute to the team in a coaching or leadership role for the remainder of the season."