Essendon vice-captain Andrew Welsh has retired after struggling through the past two AFL seasons with injury.

The 28-year-old, who has played 162 games with the Bombers after starting his career in 2002, said he required further ankle surgery and wasn’t sure if he’d be able to play again.

In the past two season he has managed only 17 games after breaking and dislocating his ankle.

Welsh joins rookie Jay Neagle out the Windy Hill door after the long expected news of his delisting was officially announced by the club.

Neagle managed 28 AFL games in four seasons after being a 2006 Father-Son draftee before being delisted and rookied at the end of last season.

Current List Updates

Delistings
Taite Silverlock (rookie)
Tyson Slattery (rookie)
James Webster (rookie)
Jay Neagle (rookie)

Retirements
Andrew Welsh
Darcy Daniher
Mark Williams