David Wirrpanda is the first to admit his AFL dream didn't quite go to plan.

After arriving at West Coast as a homesick but highly-rated 16-year-old, Wirrpanda set out to play just three seasons before returning home to Victoria to be with family.

The Eagles are still thanking their lucky stars Wirrpanda's plans went awry.

Wirrpanda was an instant hit at the club, with his breathtaking runs from defence and silky smooth skills making him a fan favourite amongst the Subiaco Oval faithful.

But his amazing journey has come to an end, with the 30-year-old confirming on Tuesday that after 14 seasons, 227 games, one premiership and one All-Australian guernsey, he is hanging up the boots.

"I thought if I did go back to Victoria football would not be first priority, my family would and that was one of the sacrifices I had to do to better myself as a person and to give myself the best opportunity in staying with West Coast," Wirrpanda said of his decision to abandon his initial three-year AFL plan and remain at West Coast for the long haul.

"There were temptations there, I won't lie, but at the end of the day this club did everything for me and I wanted to do the best I could in return.

"And that was just to be a loyal servant and be a positive example and role model for not only the community but for the players in the system as well."

Wirrpanda said he made the decision to retire during a mid-season heart-to-heart chat with coach John Worsfold.

"I just wanted to be realistic of where I stood within the playing squad and to be honest at the beginning of the year I thought I was more of a chance to play on," he said.

"But the way the boys came on towards the end of the year really did open my eyes up to the direction the younger blokes are taking their footy.

"I thought to myself, for this club to go further I have to sacrifice my position in order for the younger blokes to get more experience.

"It was different for me at the beginning (of my career) because I couldn't really cement a spot because of Ben Cousins and Phil Matera, so David Hart did me a favour and retired.

"Now I'm returning the favour to Shannon Hurn and young Scooter (Scott Selwood)."

Wirrpanda missed out on a farewell match after withdrawing from the Eagles' round 22 win over Richmond to be by his partner's side for the birth of their first child.

He doesn't regret the decision for one second.

"While all that was happening I was witnessing my son coming into the world and all of a sudden the footy stuff went out the window within two or three minutes and I completely forgot about my footy world," he said.

"To be honest it's not a scary, daunting day for me today."

And as for Wirrpanda's biggest asset?

"Probably just being a nice looking black fella," he joked, prompting wild laughter from the West Coast players, staff and media on hand at his retirement press conference.

Wirrpanda said he would now focus full-time on his David Wirrpanda Foundation, which helps indigenous children achieve their potential.

He will also weigh up whether to play on in the WAFL next season, work in the media or take up a role with the Eagles.

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