The Sydney Swans are pleased to confirm that Brett Kirk will return to the club for the 2016 season.

Kirk - a former co-captain of the Swans from 2006 until his retirement at the end of 2010 - has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach under Ross Lyon at Fremantle.

Kirk will take up a role within the Swans coaching panel.

General Manager of Football, Tom Harley said the club was pleased to welcome Kirk back.

“After a successful three year stint at Fremantle, we are really pleased to welcome Brett back to the Swans and are confident he will be a really valuable addition to our coaching group, he said.

“Brett is a quality person and his impact as a leader during his player career at the Swans is well known.

“We are still finalising our football department structure for 2016 and we will be able to communicate the specifics of Brett’s role, along with any other changes, once that process is completed in the coming weeks, Harley said.

Kirk retired in 2010 after a distinguished playing career with the Swans which commenced in 1999. He was co-captain of the Club from 2006-2010 and is a two time Bob Skilton Medal winner.