Sydney's All-Australian defender Craig Bolton has relinquished the co-captaincy of the Swans to focus on getting fit for the 2011 AFL season.

The 30-year-old, who lasted just five rounds of the 2010 competition due to a chronic Achilles tendon injury, said giving up the leadership role was a tough call.

"I have loved every minute of my time as a co-captain of this Club," Bolton said.

"This was a very hard decision for me but I wanted to be able to concentrate all my energy on getting back onto the playing field this year.

"It has been a huge honour to captain the Sydney Swans for the past three years alongside such club greats as Brett Kirk, Leo Barry and Adam Goodes."

Swans coach John Longmire said Bolton's decision to stand down was a typically selfless act by the popular defender.

"Craig has been a wonderful co-captain of this club. He has always set a fantastic example both on and off the field and done all he can to get the best out of himself and his team-mates," Longmire said.

"I want to thank him for all the time and effort he has put in to what is such an important job. Even when he was injured last year his leadership around the club was as strong as ever."

Bolton is pleased with his recovery from the injury.

"My injury is responding well after a long period of rehabilitation and I'm hopeful I'll be right to go early in the season," Bolton said.

Bolton, who was named All-Australian in 2006 and 2009, was elevated to the Swans captaincy at the start of the 2008 season and has played 199 career games.

The Swans had three co-captains in 2010 with Bolton, Brett Kirk - who retired at the end of the season - and Adam Goodes.

Longmire said he would make a decision on the 2011 captaincy next month.

"We still haven't decided whether to continue with the co-captaincy model or have a sole captain in 2011," he said.

"I'll be having further discussions and we will make an announcement in February."

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