Brisbane Lions ruckman Trent West has retired.

The 28-year-old spent eight seasons with Geelong and the past three with the Lions, but ultimately injuries got the better of him.

West announced his retirement to the Lions' playing group on Monday and is expected to play his last game against Greater Western Sydney in the NEAFL on Saturday.

He played 70 career games, kicking 28 goals and was a member of Geelong's 2011 premiership side.

West ruptured his ACL last year and has played four games this season but struggled with the knee.

"I felt it was the right time to tell everyone. I feel like there is a weight lifted off my shoulders now," West told the club's website.

"I probably made the decision a while ago and as the year went on that decision probably got clearer for me, mainly because of my body – my knees.

"I could've tried to play on for a year, but I would be battling, I reckon. 

"The way I have gone this year, not being able to train during the week just so I can play on the weekend, it's been pretty hard in that regard, just doing everything for my knee to get it up and going for each game.

"That's probably the main reason, (however) mentally I am also ready to get on and do something else.

"In the frustration of the last couple of years I've had enough time to think about life after footy and I'm pretty excited for it."

West said he would likely move back to Victoria.