Sydney Swans veteran Heath Grundy calls time on AFL career

Veteran Sydney Swans defender Heath Grundy has announced his immediate retirement from AFL due to a back injury.

Grundy, 32, played 256 AFL games, all for Sydney, including the 2012 premiership triumph and losing grand finals in 2014 and 2016.

Because of injury, Grundy has not played since appearing in round one this season, leading him to call time on his career as he explained at a Swans press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

"I would have liked to go to the end of the season," Grundy said.

"That was the plan in my mind, go to the end of the season, have another solid year. But it didn't go to plan after I tweaked my back.

"It hasn't really changed or recovered so it's put a bit of a dampener on things footy-wise.

"I can't really get up to train at the moment so...it's made the decision for me."

Swans coach John Longmire paid tribute to Grundy’s long and glistening career.

“Heath has been an unbelievable servant of our club for a long time and there’s no doubt he will be missed,” Longmire said.

“In terms of leadership, Heath set an example for all of us with his meticulous preparation, dedication and passion for his craft.

“Each week he’d line up on the opposition’s most damaging and biggest forward — and he’d just get the job done.

“He’s a premiership player and a champion of our club. We wish Heath, Elise, Reggie and Jameson all the best for the next phase of life.”

- With AAP