Andrew Swallow is moving to Byron Bay, rejecting an offer to work as a development coach at another AFL club next season.

The former North Melbourne skipper has finally had his official farewell from Arden St, having been away when the decision to retire was finalised.

After failing to secure a move to join his brother David at Gold Coast, Swallow will instead play for NEAFL club Aspley in 2018.

"It's probably been on the cards for a year, talking with my wife that we may move on," Swallow said in his retirement press conference on Monday.  

"It may have seemed a bit of a shock to everyone else, but I suppose I don't like to air everything too often."

The 30-year-old will move to the NSW north coast with his wife Elise and two young children.

While admitting 2017 was "character building", Swallow believes he held his head high through a tough season.

"I think the club obviously was looking for a different direction and they wanted to play me in a couple of other spots to free up an opportunity for a young guy," he said.

"While I understand it, it didn't always make it easy.  

"I think I showed that my form in the back half of the year was pretty solid.

"It was a two-month period of a 12-year career, so I leave really happy and content with the footy club.

"It was character building, but it was a challenge I thought I was able to approach and overcome."

Swallow said he remains open to a coaching role in the future, but for now is focused on a year off – in a warmer climate – with his young family.

After making his debut in 2006, Swallow played a total of 224 games for the Kangaroos, kicking 80 goals, averaging 20 disposals and 6.6 tackles a game. He won three Syd Barker medals as North Melbourne's best and fairest.