The curtain is about to close on much-loved Fremantle defender Antoni Grover, with the veteran announcing he will retire at the end of the AFL season.

Grover has notched 202 games since making his debut in 1999, but the reliable backman has made just one appearance this year after falling behind Luke McPharlin, Zac Dawson and Michael Johnson in the pecking order.

The 32-year-old felt the time was right to call it quits, but he hasn’t ruled out making a fairytale return to the side during this year’s finals series.

“I’m not getting any younger and I’ve been struggling with my injuries this year,” Grover said.

“It feels like the right time.

“The boys are pushing into the finals, so I’ll see out the year with them and support them as much as I can.

“You never know what can happen in the next few weeks.

“I’m still here at the club and I still feel like there’s business to be done.”

Grover sits fifth in Fremantle’s all-time list of games played, with only Paul Hasleby (208), Shaun McManus (228), Shane Parker (238) and Matthew Pavlich (276) sitting above him.

The 189cm backman, who was adept at playing on both talls and smalls, started his career on the club’s rookie list before establishing himself as one of Fremantle’s most reliable defenders.

Grover has been working with WAFL side Subiaco’s development squad this season, and hinted he may consider a coaching career down the track.

“The kids were very receptive, so maybe there’s a future in that for me,” he said.