Lewis is calling time on his 15-season career, although the 33-year-old has only managed 11 AFL appearances this season.

He will hold a press conference at the MCG on Tuesday, where he will be flanked by Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin and his former mentor, Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson.

Lewis's four flags came during his 13 years at the Hawks, before he joined Melbourne for the 2017 season - after he and fellow star Sam Mitchell were moved on by Clarkson.

Lewis told his Demons teammates of his decision on Tuesday morning after speculation he was planning to follow his great mate from his Hawthorn days, Jarryd Roughead, into retirement.

"I thought I'd address the group just briefly to, one, show my appreciation, and, two, just to put a full stop and let everyone know that I am retiring at the end of the year," Lewis told the Demons' club website.

Lewis will play his 319th AFL game in a farewell match against North Melbourne at Hobart's Blundstone Arena on Saturday afternoon.

He said his career had lasted longer than he expected.

"It's been a lot longer than probably I would have imagined, and maybe people who drafted me would've imagined, and my parents would've imagined," Lewis said.

"But it's been an unbelievable one."

Renowned for his hardness and aggression, Lewis made the All-Australian team in 2014 and also won the Hawks' best and fairest award.

It was a dream season for Lewis, with the Hawks in the middle of their 2013-15 premiership three-peat.

Lewis also played in the 2008 team that upset Geelong in the grand final.

He said it was tough to shift clubs in the twilight of his career, after 264 games for the Hawks, but had found a new home with Melbourne.

"It's quite hard coming from another club where you've spent the majority of your life, but to come here and make lifelong friends has been a really good experience for me," he said.

"From the bottom of my heart I just want to thank everyone here, and everyone at Hawthorn ... that have provided me with so many memories that I will cherish forever."

On Monday, Kieren Jack joined 2012 Sydney premiership teammates Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy and Nick Smith in announcing his retirement while Fremantle's Aaron Sandilands and Richmond and GWS star Brett Deledio are among the other recent retirees.

Australian Associated Press