Western Bulldogs fringe key position player Andrew McDougall has retired, after failing to break into the finals-bound AFL club's senior side this year.

Recruited by West Coast at No.5 in the 2000 national draft, McDougall played 38 games with the Eagles before being traded to the Bulldogs ahead of the 2007 season.

The West Australian managed five senior games with the `Dogs last season, but none this year.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said the 25-year-old's cause had not been helped by several injuries since he arrived at the club.

But he has still played regularly with VFL affiliate Williamstown.

McDougall has officially signed out of his contract, after spending the weekend in his hometown of Perth while making a decision.

"He met the coaches last week and discussed his future and I think he felt that it was time to move on," Fantasia said.

"There is no animosity at all and the club wishes him well with his future endeavours."

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