Ongoing groin injuries have forced experienced Gold Coast AFL midfielder Daniel Harris into retirement.

The former North Melbourne player was one of a handful of AFL-hardened players who spent the 2010 VFL season with the Suns in preparation for their inaugural campaign in the top flight.

He played 11 AFL games for the Suns in 2011 for a career total of 160.

"I think my body made the decision for me," the 29-year-old Harris told the Suns' website on Wednesday.

"It was definitely time with where my body was at and with the kids coming through and they're developing really quickly so it was a pretty easy decision.

"I've been lucky to play with some great players and make some great friends over the journey. I'm really content."

Suns coach Guy McKenna said Harris had played a vital developmental role for the club.

"His decision to come up here after being delisted, almost take a step back, perform and show leadership ... he delivered in spades last year in the VFL and has really helped the culture of our football club grow," he said.

"I've got no doubt that he's had a lot to do with that galvanising of our values and our culture."

Harris was originally picked by North Melbourne with choice No.14 in the 2000 national draft.

He played 149 games for the Kangaroos before being delisted in 2009.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP