Sydney Swans defender Rhyce Shaw has announced he will retire at the end of the AFL season – his 16th season at the top level.

The 33-year-old has played 232 games in the AFL for both Collingwood and the Swans, where he has played since 2009 and won a premiership in 2012.

Swans coach John Longmire said Shaw was a great club man and a superb leader at the club.

“He has been able to produce at a high level for a long time and remains an important part of our defensive unit,” he said.

“So many young players over the years have developed under his guidance.

“He is an incredibly popular figure amongst the entire playing group.”

Shaw is set to appear for Sydney on Saturday in the `Battle of the Bridge’ against Greater Western Sydney, as the Swans look to put inconsistent form behind them and lock down a top four berth.