The recently retired St Kilda champion on Friday claimed the AFLPA's Madden Medal, which recognises the retiring player who has contributed the most to the game and the broader community.

Hayes edged a strong field including Dean Cox, Jonathan Brown, Darren Glass and former teammate Luke Ball.

The 297-gamer pulled down the curtain on a storied career after the Saints' round-23 loss to Adelaide. He claimed three Trevor Barker awards, three All-Australian team berths as well as a Norm Smith Medal.

"I almost feel embarrassed, because any one of the nominees could be standing here," Hayes said after winning the award

The award was voted on by the AFLPA board, and past winners Glenn Archer (2007), Robert Harvey (2008), Michael O'Loughlin (2009), Brett Kirk (2010), Cameron Ling (2011), Luke Power (2012) and Jude Bolton (2013).

It is named after 300-game brothers Simon and Justin Madden.

Hayes' gong comes two days after he launched his autobiography.