Fremantle utility Dean Solomon's right knee was so bad two separate surgeons informed him he had no chance of making it through another AFL game, let alone season.

Solomon fought back tears as he announced his retirement today, ending a career spanning 12 years and 209 games, which included the 2000 premiership with Essendon.

"I've seen two surgeons in the last week and the outlook they gave me is I've got zero per cent chance of playing football again," Solomon told a packed media conference, with his Fremantle team-mates watching on from behind the cameras.

"So unfortunately on that advice I had no choice.

"I'll have to have an operation similar to (former Dockers ruckman) Justin Longmuir in the next three years to give me more life in the knee after football.

"It is a bit scary.

"At the moment I'm even struggling to run and do the simple things, so it's been frustrating."

Solomon had signed a one-year contract extension to play on in 2010.

But a training mishap during a handball drill leading up to Christmas ruined those plans.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey described Solomon as "old school" and said the veteran would be sorely missed.

"Today the opposition would be happy he's retiring ... because of the way he played the game," Harvey said.

"He always played for the team.

"It wasn't about him. You could always throw a challenge to him."

Solomon made his AFL debut in 1998 and played 158 games for Essendon before being offloaded to Fremantle at the end of 2006.

The 30-year-old played 51 games for the Dockers over three seasons, with his willingness to put his body on the line a feature of his game.

"Hopefully I leave with my teammates knowing every time I went onto the field I gave 100 per cent and always committed my body in any way I possibly could," Solomon said.

"I never let them down I feel.

"Some disciplinary areas maybe but if there was a 50-50 ball or I had to put my body on the line I'd always do that."

But his elbow on Cameron Ling in 2008, which left the Geelong midfielder with a fractured cheekbone and cost Solomon an eight-week suspension, left a black mark on his career.

"In my mind that's done and dusted and I'm just going to remember the good things I've achieved," Solomon said.

"A lot of people may remember that incident and bring it up but I hope those people remember the good footy I did play and I was part of a pretty good side at Essendon as well."

Solomon said it was a dream come true to be able to finish his career with best friend and former Magpie Chris Tarrant by his side.

"I've enjoyed every minute I've had to play on the field with Taz," he said.

"He's a great player and more important a great mate.

"If I can't work something out I'll have a chat with him.

"He's very good on thinking about things and coming back to help me out."