Gold Coast defender Jarrod Harbrow is being hailed as an inspiration to the AFL club after announcing his retirement.
Harbrow, an inaugural member of the Suns, will end his esteemed 15-year career after Saturday's match against Sydney.
The 261-gamer, who was the first player granted life membership of the Suns, told teammates and staff of his decision on Tuesday.
"I've been really lucky that the game of AFL football has given me this opportunity to live out a dream and helped me set up my family with a great start to life," Harbrow said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The main thing I wanted to do was run out in the Suns colours and represent my family, the football club and the supporters on the Gold Coast with pride."
Harbrow played 70 games in four seasons at the Western Bulldogs before becoming a key initial signing for the Suns.
Only three other players from the inaugural 2011 Gold Coast list remain - David Swallow, Sam Day and Rory Thompson.
Harbrow, 33, played 191 games for the Suns and the club's football manager Jon Haines said the dashing backman also had a massive influence off-field.
A Yirrganydji/Kuku-Yalanji Aboriginal Australian from Far North Queensland, Harbrow has been instrumental in the club's Indigenous and cultural education programs.
"Jarrod is quite simply an inspiration to the Gold Coast Suns and furthermore the Gold Coast community," Haines said.
"Pleasingly, Jarrod will be continuing at the club in an off-field role, mentoring our Indigenous players and leading our Indigenous and cultural programs."
Australian Associated Press
