The former No.1 draft pick abruptly ended his career on Friday, apologising for inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Patton was stood down by the Hawks in January when accused by at least four women of sending sexually explicit photos and videos of himself via social media.

He has also struggled with injuries and mental health issues.

The Hawks announced Patton's retirement with an emailed statement a few hours after Clarkson's Friday morning media conference.

"It's been an enormously complex situation and handled with real respect and dignity by all parties," Clarkson said after Sunday's loss to Melbourne.

"I'm just pleased with his declaration that he wants to get on with his life, but also the acknowledgement that he's made some mistakes.

Clarkson said Patton was being considered as a key forward for Sunday's 50-point loss to the Demons before his retirement decision.

The Hawks will now consider their options ahead of the mid-season draft.

"We have six or seven weeks before that decision needs to be made and it's not absolutely certain that we will fill it," Clarkson said..

"But I reckon that we'd try to - and it may not be with a key forward, either.

"We'll explore all sorts of options."

Australian Associated Press