Young Giants ruckman Tom Downie has retired from the AFL to battle the mental health issues that forced him onto the long-term injury list earlier this season.
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Downie was contracted until the end of 2018, but has been granted a release from the final year of his deal. He hasn't played any competitive football this season after he was placed on the club's long-term injury list in March.
"I've been dealing with anxiety for a long period of time and retiring from football gives me the best opportunity to focus on my mental health," Downie said.
"I'd lost my passion to train and play which made it impossible to give everything that is required as a professional athlete.
"I hope that in making this decision, I can help others dealing with similar issues and make them more comfortable in speaking out. The club has been fantastic in how they've supported me and I've made many lifelong friends at the Giants."
Downie was taken with pick 56 in the 2011 AFL Draft and played nine games at senior level.
GWS travels to Perth on Saturday for their round 10 clash against West Coast on Sunday.
