SYDNEY has lost one of its great characters with the retirement of ruck coach Stephen Taubert. 

Taubert, who played 123 games for Richmond, Essendon and the Swans from 1974-84 and finished fourth in the Brownlow Medal in has last season, has overseen the ruck program in Sydney since 1999.

He played a large role in the emergence of premiership big men Darren Jolly (2005) and Shane Mumford (2012), but it was his work with Canadian Mike Pyke that could be the crowning glory of is career. 

The Swans recruited Pyke, a former international rugby player, from a highlights DVD he sent to the club and then-coach Paul Roos, and with Taubert's guidance he helped the club win a flag in 2012 while working in tandem with Mumford.

Taubert had a fantastic rapport with his players and was known as ‘the ruck whisperer’ around the club.

"The Swans have been part of my life since 1982 when the club first moved to Sydney and over that time I’ve just had the most incredible journey," he said.

"I’ve been able to work with some amazing people from all of the coaches, players and support staff.

"I’ve made enduring friendships, been part of five Grand Finals and multiple finals series but the time has come for someone else to hold the ruck bag.

"I’ve been lucky enough to be able to keep in touch with the majority of players I worked with over the years and I look forward to watching the current Swans ruckmen continue to develop and fulfil their potential."

Sydney coach John Longmire said Taubert has made a significant contribution in his time at the Swans.

"Stephen has been a great servant of this football club who has helped a number of ruckmen over his journey," he said.

"He has spent an incredible amount of hours here for a part-time employee, building up a number of strong relationships both on and off the field."