North Melbourne forward Leigh Harding has retired aged 29 after a 141-game AFL career.

The Bannockburn product made his debut in 2001 and managed 12 senior games this year, finishing the season with a premiership medal at VFL team North Ballarat.

The pacy Harding kicked 157 goals for North Melbourne and was used in various roles throughout his career.

Harding said the Kangaroos had a talented young list of players.

"It's up to them now to take the club forward and the last thing I wanted was to stand in their way and deny them the chance to develop," Harding said on Wednesday.

"It's up to the older guys like me to realise when their time has come and make sure they don't hold anyone back."

Harding kicked 33 goals in 2002 and another 33 the following season when he won the club's goalkicking award.

"There may have been a chance to play on for another couple of years elsewhere but I really don't want to play for any other club," Harding said.

"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity the club gave me when I was rookie-listed. I was knocked back in a few drafts previous to being selected by the Kangaroos.

"I have played with some of the greats of the game including (Wayne) Carey, (Glenn) Archer, (Anthony) Stevens, (Adam) Simpson, (Sav) Rocca and (Brent) Harvey and will take away some amazing memories."

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