Richards hasn’t played in the AFL since last month’s loss to Hawthorn but says he is determined to break back in to the top side and help the third-placed Swans make a charge at the premiership.

"I will try my best to make it hard for Horse (coach John Longmire) and the match committee to not pick me each week," Richards said.

"I'm not going to concede that a decision has been made as we sit right now (on whether he plays again this year).

"We've got a lot of defenders playing really good football. I think from the club's perspective we've got a healthy competition for spots.

"It is just pushing my case with form."

Richards debuted in 2002 with Essendon before being traded to the Swans in 2005 and has played 261 career matches.

He said he had an inkling this was his last year during early pre-season training but only made a decision a month ago after consulting his wife.

He told his Swans teammates on Tuesday.

"It wasn't til I'd sat down with Horse and that I'd had a set time that I was going to tell all the boys that the emotions really came out," Richards said.

"I came back and teared up with my wife at home.

"I Rang up Mum and Dad to thank them cos they've been on the journey with me and made just as many sacrifices I've made, possibly even more.

"Told the guys Tuesday morning, managed to keep it together quite well."

Richards was a member of Sydney’s 2012 premiership-winning side.