Sydney Swans ruckman Callum Sinclair and defender Colin O'Riordan will retire at season’s end.
After a 10 year AFL career across two clubs, 32 year old Sinclair will bow out at the end of the 2022 season.
Sinclair was a rookie selection to the West Coast Eagles in 2012, before making his AFL debut in 2013 and playing a total of 29 games with the Eagles, including the 2015 Grand Final. He landed at the Swans ahead of the 2016 season via a trade for speedster Lewis Jetta.
To date, Sinclair has played 89 senior matches for the Swans and though he has not added to that tally in 2022, the ruckman has played a vital role with the Swans VFL side.
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner said Sinclair had made a very valuable contribution to the club.
“Callum has been a real warrior for us,” Gardiner said.
“He has played some really good senior football with us over the journey, but in recent times his work with our VFL squad has been enormous. He has played a selfless role for the team and been a terrific leader amongst our developing players.
“Cal is a hugely popular player amongst our group and we look forward to him finishing off his career with us in successful fashion over the coming weeks,” Gardiner said.
O’Riordan will retire having played 34 games at the highest level.
The 26-year-old Irish international has given everything to the red and white since arriving in Australia, with his recent hip injury the catalyst for the decision.
O'Riordan was signed as a rookie with the Swans in 2015 when playing Gaelic football for Tipperary, before making his AFL debut three years later in Round 17 of the 2018 season against North Melbourne.
O'Riordan was elevated from the rookie list in 2017, and under the guidance of former premiership star Tadhg Kennelly, he earnt his position in the back six at the Swans, forging out a good career at AFL level.
The Irish import is a popular member of the Swans family, and known for his dashing run and carry in defence.
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner, said O’Riordan was a much loved member of the Swans family.
“Since arriving at the club, Colin has been one of the most popular members of our playing group and he will be sorely missed,” Gardiner said.
“It really is an incredible achievement to move to Australia from Ireland, learn a new game and forge a successful AFL career and Colin has been able to do just that,” he said.
Throughout their careers with the Swans, both Sinclair and O’Riordan earned the Barry Round Best Clubman award, in a sign of their popularity amongst the playing group and strong off-field leadership.
