​Sewell has announced his retirement from the VFL.

The 27-year-old said he had lost the motivation required to play at that level.

Sewell said he now had other priorities in life which did not allow him the time required to play in the VFL.

“It’s no good being 90 per cent.

“You have to be fully committed.”

Sewell said he had made up his mind that his VFL craeer was over after a handful of pre-season training sessions.

Sewell, who was also the 2009 VFL best and fairest and a three-time VFL representative, said the controversy surrounding the departure of legendary coach Gerard FitzGerald had no bearing on his decision.

He said he had complete confidence in the the future club under new head coach Marc Greig and football general manager Gary Buckenara.

“I know the (player) group is solid and that there are plenty of aspiring young players who will relish the opportunity to challenge for a place in the team now that it’s standalone.

“I’d have liked to play under Marc, but it’s not to be.

“Greigy will be a fabulous coach and I do regret I won’t have the opportunity to under him.”

Sewell, who lives and works as a surveyor in Melbourne,  says he will continue to play football, but has no idea where that might be.

“I haven’t thought about the future (in football).”

He said would also like to get involved in coaching, but not perhaps for a few years.

Sewell said he could not be prouder of what he had been able to achieve with the Roosters.

“I’m grateful for everything – especially relationships and friendships I’ve formed. Some are my best mates.”

​An emotional Sewell said telling teammates of his decision had been one of the hardest things he had had to do in his football career.

Roosters chief executive officer Mark Patterson said while it was disappointing Sewell would no longer pull on a Roosters guernsey, he more than any other player deserved to make this decision and enjoy what retirement from the game in the VFL provided.

“He’s an absolute champion of this club and will always be remembered for his great dedication, consistent high performance and leadership,” Patterson said.

Sewell began his football with his home club Newlyn in the CHFL and played 39 games with the North Ballarat Rebels in TAC Cup in 2004-06 – representing the Victoria Country under-16s in 2004 and winning the 2006 best and fairest.

He played with Coburg in the VFL in 2007 before joining the Roosters in 2008.

Sewell played his entire Roosters career of 138 senior games under the guidance of head coach Gerard FitzGerald.

He missed 2014 owing to an overseas trip, playing with Ballarat Swans in the BFL on his return that season.

Sewell returned to North Ballarat this year, taking on the role of co-captain.

When asked whether there was still a chance he would play at least one game with his brothers, Hawthorn premiership player Brad and Ballarat Swans premiership player Adam, Myles said “definitely”.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

PREMIERSHIPS: 2008, 2009, 2010

VFL BEST AND FAIREST (JJ Liston Trophy): 2009

CLUB BEST AND FAIRESTS: 2009, 2011, 2012

BEST AND FAIREST RUNNER-UP: 2010, 2013, 2015

NORM GOSS MEDAL (grand final best on ground): 2010

VFL TEAM OF THE YEAR: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

VFL STATE REPRESENTATIVE: 2010, 2012, 2013