Three-time premiership winner Nigel Lappin has called time on a glorious AFL career after being restricted to just four matches this season because of an Achilles tendon problem.

Lappin was named Brisbane's best and fairest in 2004 and also earned four All-Australian selections during his 279 games for the Lions.

------------------------------- GALLERY: Nigel Lappin's career in pictures -------------------------------

He was given an emotional round of applause as the entire playing and coaching staff gathered to listen to his heartfelt farewell message at the Gabba.

The huge turnout was reminiscent of when Lions legend Michael Voss retired, showing how much respect the softly-spoken Lappin commands among his peers.

He said his constant battle with injury, which made him a spectator for the bulk of the 2008 season, forced his hand when it came to deciding on his future.

"The obvious reason is I haven’t been able to get out on the field this year. The Achilles hasn’t let me play footy," Lappin said.

"Mentally I was a little bit tired in the games I did play this year. You sort of get that feeling. I was waking up and not looking forward to playing footy like I had in previous years.

"You just get the feeling you know that it’s time. For me, it’s the perfect time to move on.”

Lappin was a vital part of Brisbane’s premiership hat-trick from 2001 and said despite the bitter fight with injury late in his career, he walked away proud of his body of work.

"It’s certainly been a long career that’s had a lot of enjoyable times. It’s had some down times as well. Mostly it’s been a really good time and I’ve had a lot of success and cherished my time playing at the Lions,” he said.