Former North Melbourne midfielder Sam Gibson has announced his retirement from AFL football, effective at season's end. 

Gibson played 130 games for North between 2012-2017, before lining up for five games at Adelaide this season.

“North Melbourne gave me a chance when no-one else would and I had six wonderful years at Arden Street with some friendships and memories I’ll cherish forever," Gibson told the Crows' website on Wednesday. 

North Media reflects on Gibson's career. 

2007 
- Selected in Rookie Draft by Hawthorn, but doesn’t make an AFL appearance.

Gibson continued his improvement as a footballer at VFL level captaining the Box Hill Hawks. 

2011
- Finally gets another opportunity, Rookie drafted by North after his impressive form in the VFL. 

2012
- Debuts in Round 12, and plays every game for the rest of the season.
- Promoted to senior list.

2013
- Continues development and begins to develop a reputation as one of the hardest runners in the competition.
- Plays in every game.

2014
- Averages 24.6 disposals throughout the season as North reaches the Preliminary Final.
- Has 35 disposals and 5 tackles in Semi Final win over Geelong.
- Plays in every game.

2015
- Helps North reach second consecutive Preliminary Final
- Plays in every game.

2016
- Has career-high 36 disposals in win over Essendon.
- Finishes third in the Syd Barker Medal count.
- Plays in every game.

2017
- Plays in every game once again, with his 130 consecutive matches from his debut the second longest streak of all time behind Jared Crouch.
- Traded to the Adelaide Crows.

2018
- Plays in five AFL matches for the Crows.
- Announces retirement from AFL football, having averaged at least 20 disposals in each of his seven seasons.