Craig Bolton, General Manager AFL NSW/ACT, has announced that he will move on from the role at the end of this year to take up an opportunity in the private business sector.

The former Sydney Swans captain joined AFL NSW/ACT as Deputy General Manager in March 2013 and was appointed to the position of General Manager in February this year.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan paid tribute to Bolton’s achievements in growing the game in key developing markets.

"As a local Canberra product and former Sydney Swans Premiership player, Craig has made a significant contribution to the game firstly as a player and then during his time with AFL NSW/ACT," Mr McLachlan said.

“We wish him well as he commences the next chapter of his career.”

Mr Bolton said he felt fortunate to have worked in the game during a period of significant growth.

“It’s been an extremely tough decision to move on from the AFL,” Mr Bolton said.

“It’s been a privilege to work at this organisation, particularly at such an exciting time for football in New South Wales and the ACT.

“By every measure the game continues to develop within these key regions and I’ve been blessed to work with such a dedicated team over the last couple of years”

Craig played for the Eastlake Football Club in Canberra as a junior and then the NSW/ACT Rams Under 18.

He was drafted by the Brisbane Lions before being recruited by the Sydney Swans with whom he played 170 of his 199 AFL games. He was named as an All Australian in 2006 and 2009, was co-captain of the Swans from  2008-2010 and played an integral part in the Swans’ 2005 Premiership.