Hawthorn winger Tom Scully has retired from the AFL, saying he has lost his passion for the game.

The former No.1 draft pick who also had stints at Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney recently stepped away from training while deciding his future.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to make as football has been such a big part of my life,” Scully said in a statement on Tuesday.

“I have been thinking for a long period of time now as to my future in the game and after much consideration I have decided now is the best time for me to step away and pursue other interests.

“After 11 seasons in the AFL I understand the demands that this game requires of you.

“And after much thought I know in my heart I have lost the passion and commitment that is required of me to continue.”

The 29-year-old speedster was the top pick at the 2009 draft when signed by Melbourne.

Scully played 31 games in two seasons for the Demons before moving to the Giants, where he played 121 games until being traded to Hawthorn at the end of the 2018 season.

He added a further 35 games for the Hawks, whose interim head of football Rob McCartney said he understands Scully’s reasoning.

“Tom has given his heart and soul to our game for 11 years and he is now ready to switch focus,” McCartney said.

“As a number one draft pick and three-club player, Tom has been an outstanding contributor to the game of AFL and should walk away incredibly proud of the resilience and character he has showed over the years.”