Andrew Swallow announces retirement, misses out on chance to play with brother at Gold Coast Suns

NORTH Melbourne veteran Andrew Swallow won’t get the chance to finish his career alongside brother David at Gold Coast after announcing his retirement today.

Former North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow. Picture: Michael Klein

NORTH Melbourne veteran Andrew Swallow won’t get the chance to finish his career alongside brother David at Gold Coast after announcing his retirement today.

The 224-game former captain said before the trade period he would “love” to play with his brother, but the Suns opted against recruiting the 30-year-old.

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Swallow announced his retirement just after today’s 2pm list deadline despite having a year to run on his North Melbourne contract.

“It was a very tough decision to make and it’s with a heavy heart that I’ve chosen to end my AFL career today,” Swallow said.

“I’ve been fortunate to have had a 12-year career with North and I owe a lot to the club for investing in me not only as a player, but also as a person.”

Swallow captained the Kangaroos from 2012-16 and won three best-and-fairests, in 2009, 11 and 12.

Swallow played 16 games this year — his fewest in a season since 2008 — spending several weeks in the VFL.

“After speaking with my wife, Elise, and weighing up my future and that of our young family, we’re looking for a new direction and challenge,” Swallow said.

“It’s been an incredible journey, but it’s now time to move on to the next chapter of our lives and I’m really excited for what lies ahead for us.”

Andrew Swallow wants to play alongside his brother David at Gold Coast.

To be a chance to continue his career at the Suns, Swallow would have had to be delisted today then rely on being picked up in the rookie draft.

Suns coach Stuart Dew indicated this morning Swallow did not fit into the club’s plans.

“He’s shown some interest, we obviously have had discussions with Andrew and with Dave as well,” Dew said on RSN 927.

“We certainly know he’s a solid citizen and his leadership stuff (is very good) but we’ve got to make the decision based on the whole group and the whole club.”

Swallow spoke openly about a possible move north on radio station LightFM last month.

“I’d love to get up there with my brother … we’ll just have to wait and see,” Swallow said.

“I’d love to get up there and really support (David).”

“I’ve got a young family now and wouldn’t mind looking at a few different options, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens over the next couple of weeks.”

The Herald Sun reported in mid-October that North Melbourne could delist Swallow and Lindsay Thomas to fast-track the club’s rebuild.

Andrew Swallow has retired after 224 games for North Melbourne.