West Coast veteran Andrew Gaff has announced his retirement from the AFL but the Eagles are keen to see him reach the magical 300-game mark before he fades into obscurity.

On Wednesday, Gaff informed his teammates that he would not continue his illustrious career for a 15th season.

The 32-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury for two years, which has seriously affected his results.

Gaff has spent most of this year in the WAFL, making just three appearances at AFL level.

The energetic winger has played in 278 games for the Eagles since being selected No. 4 overall in the 2010 national draft.

Gaff also played 18 pre-season games: one match for Victoria and one International Rules match against Ireland.

To be eligible for AFL Life Membership, a player must appear in 300 games.

West Coast want Gaff to win the deal, confirming he will be called up for Saturday’s AFL clash with North Melbourne in Hobart, followed by a thrilling farewell next week at Optus Stadium against Carlton.

Jack Darling achieved the feat earlier this season when he played 300 games.

Gaff has achieved a lot in his career.

He was the 2015 West Coast club champion, a 2016 Eagles finals player and a two-time All-Australian (2015, 2018).

However, his infamous punch that broke Andrew Brayshaw’s jaw in Round 20 in 2018 denied Gaff the chance to play in the West Coast League that year.

Gaff was desperate to achieve ultimate team success but it was not to be as West Coast’s fortunes gradually declined following their 2018 grand final win over Collingwood.

“Andrew was a tremendous player for our club for a decade and a half and we will take the opportunity to recognise him properly over the next fortnight,” West Coast football manager Gavin Bell said in a statement.

“We will be sad to see one of our great players retire, but Andrew left a lasting mark.

“He has a huge amount of respect across the football club, not just within the playing group and the football department.

“Importantly, our members and fans both on the east coast and in Perth will have the opportunity to say goodbye to him over the next two weeks.”

Gaff, who is the West Coast’s all-time leading tackler with 7,158, expressed earlier this year his desire to continue playing in 2025.

“I feel like I’ve got a few really good games left in me,” Gaff told AAP after scoring from 21 balls against St Kilda on June 1.

“I really trust my body, probably for the first time in a while.”

Gaff played in just one more match – a defeat to North Melbourne in which he made 19 tackles – before returning to the WAFL.

Assuming Gaff progresses to the next games against North Melbourne and Carlton, he will finish the season with 280 appearances for West Coast.

This will put him fourth on the club’s all-time appearances list, behind Shannon Hurn (333), Darling (*295) and Dean Cox (290).