A back injury has forced Sydney key forward Henry Playfair to retire after 68 AFL games for the Swans and Geelong.

The 27-year-old suffered a serious back injury in the round 14 match against Richmond at the SCG on July 4 and after medical advice has decided to end to his career.

"When I found out I'd done some damage to my back it was a shock," Playfair said on Tuesday in a Swans club statement.

"At first I didn't know what it meant for my season, and then I spoke further to the doctor and the physio and it looked like my season was over.

"Coming off the troubles I've had previously with hamstring injuries, the back was another indication that my body is not up to it at this stage."

Playfair broke the news to team-mates on Monday night and will stay involved with the club for the 2010 season.

The 198cm forward has played 16 games for the Swans after a 52-game career with the Cats.

Swans coach Paul Roos said Playfair had been a popular clubman and strong mentor for younger team-mates.

"He will be missed both on and off the field," Roos said.

The Riverina product went to school in Sydney and was then drafted by Geelong with selection 41 in the 2001 national draft, joining the Swans in 2007.

After playing 11 consecutive games in 2008, a serious hamstring problem prevented him from playing any football in 2009.

He had surgery, but was delisted at the end of last season. His determination was rewarded when he was placed on the rookie list for 2010 and later promoted to the senior list.

Playfair made his senior comeback in round eight of 2010 against the Western Bulldogs.

"I came off pretty major surgery last year, so to get through that period and get a rookie spot, and then to play a few senior games this season, I was proud of myself and it meant a lot to me," Playfair said.

"I was at Geelong when they won a premiership and then to come to Sydney and be here where they've got such a great culture, I've learnt a lot about life and the challenges it can throw up."

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