The boy from Deniliquin made his AFL debut for the Swans in 1995, after arriving at the Club via a zone selection in the 1994 AFL Draft. He will hang up the boots with a long list of achievements, most notably taking that famous mark in the Swans’ 2005 Grand Final victory.
Barry earned All-Australian selection in two consecutive seasons; 2004 and 2005. He played in the International Rules Series in 2003, was the Sydney Swans’ third best and fairest in 2004 and was co-captain of the Club from 2005 to 2008.
The premiership player has had a difficult season with injury, a fact which has ultimately made the decision easier for him.
“After much consideration and a frustrating year so far, I have decided to retire at the end of the 2009 season,” Leo Barry said today.
“I have obviously struggled with fitness and that has made it an easier decision to end my football career.
“After spending fifteen seasons at this Club, I feel very fortunate to have played for one of the truly great and highly respected footy clubs, and also to have achieved the ultimate success with a fantastic group of guys, coaching staff and support crew in 2005.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, wife Sarah and children Caleb and Isaac for their ongoing and unwavering support throughout my career. To the Club and the passionate Sydney Swans supporters and members, thank you for an enjoyable journey.
“At the end of the season I will take time off to consider my future either in football or possibly in an area of stockbroking, as I have already been doing some work with Citi.”
Coach Paul Roos, a former teammate and now coach, was full of praise for what Barry has been able to achieve.
“Leo and I arrived at the Club together in 1995 and have enjoyed an incredibly close relationship over the past fifteen years,” Roos said.
“He is truly one of the great gentlemen and family men of the game.
“As a player he simply should not have been able to do the things he did. Leo was a 185cm, 88kg full-back and played on some of the biggest, fastest and best full-forwards of all time, and constantly beat them.
“This he did with his fantastic athleticism but most importantly, an incredible self belief and desire to be the best player he could possibly be.
“I know that if he takes this same self belief and discipline into the next phase of his life he will certainly be successful.
“We will miss him at the Club and wish him and his family all the best.”
Leo Barry… you star!
Leo Barry
Career games to date: 235
Career goals to date: 56
