SHANNON Byrnes has earned praise from assistant and backline coach Jade Rawlings for his impact at Melbourne.

Byrnes announced his retirement from the game on Wednesday, after 131 AFL matches from 2004-14, including 23 with the Demons in 2013-14.

It was effective immediately after a foot injury had forced his hand for the rest of the season.

Although the small forward only had two seasons at the Demons, after playing in two flags with Geelong in 2007 and 2009, Rawlings said Byrnes made a genuine contribution around the club.  

“When you get an experienced player from another club, you’re always interested to know what their purpose is and why they want to continue and I think Shannon has really invested into our footy club – that’s one thing I’m very passionate about,” he said.

“That’s been really evident with the way he’s managed relationships and his training work ethic.

“It’s been unfortunate that he’s had the injury to the severity that he’s had this year and wasn’t able to continue playing … in an on field sense.

“But he’s very popular amongst the players and with staff members and I think we’ve realised Shannon’s contribution, even though it’s only been two years, has been a significant one.”