Greater Western Sydney ruckman Shane Mumford has announced his AFL retirement.

Mumford’s future had been the topic of great speculation in recent weeks, with list manager Craig Cameron recently admitting “there’s a good chance that he might finish up” because of a series of chronic injuries.

The imposing big man has a year to run on his contract but ankle and knee problems restricted his capacity to train throughout 2017.

The 2012 premiership ruckman managed to play 21 matches this year but broke his foot in week one of the finals.

“After 10 years of playing at the highest level, the physical way I play has taken its toll on my body and I feel as though I can’t probably offer as much as what I used to on the field,” Mumford told reporters on Friday.

“So I have had to make the difficult decision to hang up the boots. It’s a bit of a sad day for me but it’s something I have to do.”

Geelong signed Mumford as a mature-age recruit in the rookie draft at the end of the 2007 season.

The former boilermaker then had stints at Sydney and GWS in a 172-game career.

The 31-year-old was commonly referred to as the Giants’ barometer by teammates because of the way he hunted the ball and imposed himself on contests.

GWS coach Leon Cameron was full of praise for Mumford, who will remain at the club as a ruck coach.

“He’s had a remarkable career and it’s really sad to see him go out this way,” Cameron said.

Mumford is confident Rory Lobb, who handled the bulk of the Giants’ ruck duties in September, can step up as the side’s No.1 ruck in 2018.