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After 224 games in the royal blue and white stripes, Andrew Swallow has announced his retirement.

The gutsy midfielder, taken with pick No.43 in the 2005 AFL Draft, will be regarded as one of North’s most courageous and decorated players.

“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 the Syd Barker Medal in 2009, 2011 and 2012 – becoming only the ninth player in club history to have won three or more best and fairest awards.

“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.”

After 37 games in his first two seasons at Arden Street, Swallow only managed three matches in 2008, after falling out of favour early in the year and then succumbing to a seven-week ankle injury in the VFL.

Although not initially selected in the team to play Melbourne in Round 1, 2009, he was given a reprieve when midfielder Liam Anthony withdrew because of a foot injury. The then 21-year-old took the opportunity with both hands and never looked back - he played all 22 games that year and became a staple in North’s midfield.

“Andrew has been an absolute pleasure to coach and was one of those players that made life in the coach’s box much easier,” North coach Brad Scott said.

“There have been few players as brave and determined as Andrew. He was an inspirational and dedicated leader that led by example with his tenacity, uncompromising attack on the ball and man, and his professionalism both on and off the field.”

A fierce competitor, Swallow was a gritty in-and-under midfielder who made tackling a hallmark of his game - he currently sits 2nd all-time for average tackles (6.61) and 4th for total tackles (1480).

“No matter the situation, we could always rely on Andrew to get the job done,” Scott added.

“He had little regard for his own well-being at times and did everything in his power to win the ball for the team or force an opposition turnover.”

Congrats to @andrewswallow on an unbelievable career. A true shinboner and someone your team mates looked up to every step of the way! — Jack Ziebell (@jackziebell) November 9, 2017

After taking over as captain from Brent Harvey, Swallow led the Roos to four finals campaigns in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016, including two preliminary finals.

“He led with great poise and resilience,” Scott said.

“He was level headed under pressure and let his actions do most of the talking. He set a great example for our younger players including our current captain, Jack Ziebell. He leaves a tremendous legacy built through hard work, strength of body and mind, and real character.”

The 30-year-old was a rising star nominee in 2006, All-Australian squad member in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and represented the country on two occasions in 2011.

“I’ll definitely miss the amazing support I received throughout my time from the North members and fans,” Swallow said.

“During the high and lows, they were the ones that turned up week in, week out, to cheer us on and I’ll be forever thankful for their loyalty.

“It’s going to be hard to say goodbye, but I’ll always look back with fond memories knowing I played for the best club in the world.”

He was one of the toughest players who has ever played the game. When he raptured his achilles a couple years ago, he still managed to hand pass the ball to another team mate. I will always respect him for that. He was a great captain for our club. He will be missed. — Peter (@RubMyDucky) November 9, 2017

Congrats on a fantastic career @andrewswallow! Will go down as one of the greats at @NMFCOfficial ⚪️ https://t.co/AZ6p0e4c2P — Jess Clark (@jessclark_1804) November 9, 2017

Congratulations on a brilliant career, we’ll forever be grateful for every game you played in the royal blue and white. #BeAShinboner — Cam Marshall (@mrcammarshall) November 9, 2017