Sydney veteran Heath Grundy has called time on his AFL career.

The Swans defender announced the news to his teammates on Wednesday, citing his ongoing back injury as the main reason for his retirement.

Grundy won a premiership with the Swans in 2012, and has played 256 games for the club since making his debut in round 1, 2006.

โ€œHeath has been an unbelievable servant of our club for a long time and thereโ€™s no doubt he will be missed,โ€ Sydney coach John Longmire told the club's website.

โ€œIn terms of leadership, Heath set anย example for all of us with his meticulous preparation, dedication and passion for his craft.

โ€œEach week heโ€™d line up on the oppositionโ€™s most damaging and biggest forward โ€“ and heโ€™d just get the job done.

โ€œHeโ€™sย aย premiership player and a champion of our club. We wishย Heath, Elise, Reggie and Jameson all the best for the next phase of life.โ€