Sydney's 2005 premiership hero Leo Barry has confirmed that he will retire from the AFL at season's end.

In his prime the 32-year-old was considered one of the competition's premier full-backs despite most weeks conceding several centimetres and even more kilograms to much bigger opponents.

And while he was twice All-Australian in 2004 and 2005, represented his country in International Rules in 2003 and had a best finish of third in the best and fairest in 2004, it was for his match-saving mark in the '05 grand final that he'll be best remembered.

With the Swans clinging to a four-point lead and time running out the Eagles launched one last attacking thrust deep into their forward 50 and Barry soared across the front of a big pack to take a huge grab and seal his club's first flag win in 72 years.

But Barry, who was also co-captain of Sydney for four years until the end of 2008, has struggled with injury throughout 2009 and only played his first game of the season last Saturday against Geelong.

Having played 235 games since arriving from Deniliquin via the 1994 national draft, Barry will get the opportunity to farewell the club's fans in the final round when the Swans host the Lions at the SCG.

"After much consideration and a frustrating year so far, I have decided to retire at the end of the 2009 season," Barry said. "I have obviously struggled with fitness and that has made it an easier decision to end my football career."

"After spending 15 seasons at this club, I feel very fortunate to have played for one of the truly great and highly-respected footy clubs, and also to have achieved the ultimate success with a fantastic group of guys, coaching staff and support crew in 2005."

"I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, wife Sarah and children Caleb and Isaac for their ongoing and unwavering support throughout my career. To the club and the passionate Sydney Swans supporters and members, thank you for an enjoyable journey."

Sydney coach Paul Roos, who played alongside Barry in the early stages of his career, was full of praise for the veteran who battled to shake off knee problems that forced him under the knife on the eve of the season.

"Leo and I arrived at the club together in 1995 and have enjoyed an incredibly close relationship over the past 15 years," Roos said. "He is truly one of the great gentlemen and family men of the game."

"As a player he simply should not have been able to do the things he did. Leo was a 185cm, 88kg full-back and played on some of the biggest, fastest and best full-forwards of all time, and constantly beat them."

"This he did with his fantastic athleticism but most importantly, an incredible self belief and desire to be the best player he could possibly be. We will miss him at the club and wish him and his family all the best."