While keen to continue as a member of the Sydney Swans leadership group Barry Hall today confirmed with the match committee that he did not wish to be considered for captaincy in 2008.

"Hally came to me last week to discuss his position with regards the captaincy going forward," coach Paul Roos said.

"I suggested he should go away and meet with the leadership group and discuss his mind-set with them firstly before making a firm decision.

"On Friday Hally met with the group and this morning confirmed that he did not want to be considered for the captaincy, however he would still like to continue in the leadership group if selected.

"Hally fully appreciates the role of the captain and the responsibilities that go with it, and coming off a year restricted by injury he felt it might be in the best interests of the Club and the team if he was to concentrate on getting the best out of himself in 2008 without the added responsibility of being a co-captain.

"The match committee had no issue with Hally's request and we thanked him for his frankness and honesty."

After making the decision, Hall reflected on his time as captain and explained his reasons for relinquishing the role.

“It has been an honour to be a part of the captaincy of the Sydney Swans, and to hold the premiership cup aloft in 2005 was the pinnacle of my career as a footballer,” Hall said.

“In making the decision to step down I explained to the leadership group and the coaches that I felt by moving aside it would also open up the opportunity to further develop some of the younger players as future leaders.

“Realistically Leo (Barry), Kirky (Brett Kirk) and myself are all around the same age and we only have a few years left.

“I also explained there was a bit of a selfish side to my decision in that I really need to concentrate on doing whatever is needed to get myself right for 2008.”

After the retirement of Stuart Maxfield mid-season in 2005 the Swans rotated the captaincy between the leadership group with Barry Hall having the honour of captaining the side on grand final day. In 2006-2007 the Swans adopted a system of three co-captains with Barry Hall, Brett Kirk and Leo Barry sharing the role.

Roos said that at this stage the captaincy situation for 2008 had not been decided; "We will firstly resolve the make-up of the leadership group before addressing the captaincy," he said.