The Sydney Swans have made the difficult decision to not renew Alex Johnson’s contract for the 2019 season.

Johnson made an extraordinary effort to return to playing this year after 2136 days on the sideline following a series of knee injuries.

In his second game back against Melbourne in Round 21, Johnson ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and subsequently underwent a sixth knee reconstruction.

Facing another extended stint on the sideline, the difficult decision was made to delist the 2012 premiership player, who played 47 senior games for the Swans. While the Club discussed the possibility of a non-playing role next year, Johnson is keen to explore other opportunities.

Swans coach John Longmire praised Johnson for the impact he had in red and white.

“Alex has been an incredible servant of our club. He has shown unbelievable resilience and he’s a much-admired player among his teammates, coaches, staff and wider AFL community,” Longmire said.

“Alex’s perseverance and strength is among the best I’ve seen in the game and it was a real credit to him that he was able to fight his way back to playing after so many setbacks.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision to make but the reality is he faced another extended stint on the sideline. We explored the possibility of Alex staying involved with the Club in a non-playing capacity, but he’s keen to explore other opportunities.

“We thank Alex for the invaluable contribution he made to our club and the impact he had on so many of us and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Johnson says it’s with mixed emotions his time at Sydney has come to an end.

“I would like to thank the Sydney Swans Football Club for the opportunities they have given me over the past eight years,” Johnson said.

“I have made life-long friends and lived out my childhood dream of playing AFL, including the premiership in 2012.

“Although it has been a very difficult last six years I will be forever grateful that the Club stuck by me and gave me every opportunity to get back and play at the highest level.

“While I am disappointed with the decision the Club has made, my passion still remains to play football at the highest level.”