Adelaide veteran David Mackay has announced he is retiring and this weekend will be the 248th and final game of his AFL career.

The highly-respected and versatile Mackay has played the ninth most games in Club history after he was drafted by the Crows from Victoria in 2006.

Mackay told teammates of his decision to retire on Thursday morning as he prepares to leave the game on his own terms against North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have represented the Club, and have always worn our jumper with pride,” Mackay said.

“To all my teammates, coaches and the staff of this great club, thank you. I am privileged to have met and worked with so many amazing people.

“To the Members and supporters, thank you for your passionate and unrivalled support, and playing in front of you has been an absolute thrill and honour.

“To my family, thank you is not enough.

“I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifices you have made in allowing me to chase my dream and I can’t wait to embark on the next chapter.”

Throughout his career Mackay has evolved from a hard-running midfielder and wingman to reliable and creative defender.

The 33-year-old played 19 games in his debut AFL season in 2008 and was recognised with the Mark Bickley Emerging Talent Award.

In 2016 he was awarded the Dr Brian Sando OAM Trophy for his outstanding professionalism and attention to detail and in 2018 he became the 16^th player to reach 200 games for the Club.

Crows Senior Coach Matthew Nicks described Mackay as selfless, adding he was the type of player every Club needs.

“D-Mac’s playing career speaks for itself – 248 games in 15 seasons – he has been durable and super-reliable for this Club for a long time,” Nicks said.

“It is a credit to him the way he has continually reinvented himself and improved his game, and this season he has played some of the best football of his career.

“His reputation off the field and everything that he brings to other areas of the Club is equal to what he has achieved as a player.

“He is the ultimate professional when it comes to his training and preparation, he is a selfless teammate who shows care for others and is an outstanding role model for young players.

“We wish him and his wife Sarah, and their three children William, Lucy and Tom, all the best in the next phase of their lives and he leaves with our utmost respect and thanks for his contribution.”