After three years in the role as co-captain of the Sydney Swans, Craig Bolton has decided to relinquish his leadership duties.

Bolton has served as captain with distinction, and coach John Longmire said the 30-year-old had made a typically selfless decision to step down.

“Craig has been a wonderful co-captain of this Club. He has always set a fantastic example both on and off the field and done all he can to get the best out of himself and his team-mates,’’ Longmire said.

“I want to thank him for all the time and effort he has put in to what is such an important job. Even when he was injured last year his leadership around the Club was as strong as ever.

“This decision will assist Craig to fully focus on getting fit to play this season. He is an important part of our defensive structure and we are looking forward to having him back on the field. Even though he will no longer be a captain, I know his on-field leadership qualities will remain the same.’’

Bolton’s decision comes after a difficult 2010 where he battled a chronic Achilles tendon injury. He was unable to play after round 5 last year and has dedicated himself to doing all he can to fix the injury and resume playing in 2011.

“I have loved every minute of my time as a co-captain of this Club,’’ Bolton said. “This was a very hard decision for me but I wanted to be able to concentrate all my energy on getting back onto the playing field this year.

“It has been a huge honour to captain the Sydney Swans for the past three years alongside such Club greats as Brett Kirk, Leo Barry and Adam Goodes.

“My injury is responding well after a long period of rehabilitation and I’m hopeful I’ll be right to go early in the season.’’

Bolton, who was named as an All-Australian defender in 2006 and again in 2009, was elevated to the Swans captaincy at the start of the 2008 season and has played 199 career games. 
Bolton says he is excited about the season ahead.

“I was always really keen on playing on in 2011, especially having seen the success and the potential our side has. At the back end of last year it was really exciting times.’’

The Swans had three co-captains in 2010 - Bolton, Brett Kirk, who retired at the end of the season, and Adam Goodes.

Longmire said he would make a decision on the 2011 captaincy next month.

“We still haven’t decided whether to continue with the co-captaincy model or have a sole captain in 2011. I’ll be having further discussions and we will make an announcement in February,’’ Longmire said.