David Ellard says he’ll remain “forever in debt” to Carlton after calling time on his eight-year career in the navy blue jumper.

Ellard told teammates on Friday that Saturday’s Round 23 clash with Hawthorn will be his last AFL game, saying the time is right to embark on the next chapter.

The 26-year-old says fronting the team wasn’t easy.

“It’s a tough one, I was pretty nervous coming in, but it was a good opportunity to thank the boys and the rest of Carlton footy club for everything they’ve done for me over the past eight years,” Ellard said.

“It’s been a great experience, although we haven’t reached the highs as a footy club that we would have liked, I’m just forever grateful for what this footy club’s given me.”

Ellard found his way to Ikon Park through the 2007 Rookie Draft and made his debut for Carlton in Round 7 the following year against West Coast.

Although his football journey was a rollercoaster with injuries, Ellard’s hard work and tenacity ensured he saw plenty of action on the big stage. The No. 46 rates finals football his most treasured memories.

“Definitely 2011 was my favourite year, we had some great victories then, but beating Essendon in the final was definitely the highlight,” Ellard said.

While he is keen to continue guiding Carlton's young players where he can, Ellard will embark on a completely new industry post football – turning his hand to building.

He will depart Carlton after 63 AFL games, which yielded 37 goals, three finals appearances and Carlton’s 2009 Best Clubman award.