Injury-cursed Adelaide forward Trent Hentschel has called an end to his AFL career, joining the growing list of Crows to retire this season.

Hentschel played only three games in 2010 to bring his total to 71 in a career that spanned nine years.

His departure follows Monday's retirement of star Andrew McLeod and the earlier retirements of captain Simon Goodwin, high-flying forward Brett Burton and Tyson Edwards.

Hentschel suffered one of the game's most shocking knee injuries in 2006, when surgeons likened the damage to what you would expect from a life threatening car crash.

A back injury is currently keeping the 27-year-old out of the team, though he said he hoped to play in this year's SANFL finals with Woodville-West Torrens.

"I just wanted to let everyone know that this will be my last year at the Adelaide football club," Hentschel said on the club's website on Tuesday.

"In talking to the medical staff it has become very clear that my knee isn't up to playing in the AFL and will only get worse, so I think this is the best decision for myself and the club."

Crows coach Neil Craig said Hentschel would have been excused if he had retired in 2006 when he first hurt his knee.

"But to his credit he did everything possible to get back to playing at the highest level," Craig said.

"For him to achieve this milestone was an amazing effort and sums up the strength of his character.

"Those inside the club have seen him push through all the pain and disappointment and I know our supporters also understand and acknowledge this huge effort."

Hentschel joined the Crows in the 2002 pre-season draft after moving to Adelaide from Darwin.

He made his AFL debut in 2003 and was having his best year in 2006, kicking 42 goals, before his injury.

After four operations to repair the damage it took until 2009 for him to return to play in the AFL.

Hentschel said he had loved every minute at the Crows and felt privileged to have played for the club.

"I can't thank the club enough, firstly for giving me an opportunity to play in the AFL and then for giving me the chance to get back to playing again after my knee injury," he said.

"I feel very lucky to have achieved that after my injury."

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