Baker has been at the helm for four years.

He said after spending the past 20 years involved in open age football as player and coach it was time to take a break.

The 37-year-old said a desire to devote more time to his young family - he has a four-year-old daughter and four-month-old son - had been a major influence in his decision.

SEE ASH BAKER’S CAREER IN PHOTOS HERE

Baker said coaching was taxing and he felt the timing was right for someone else to take over the reins.

He said making the anouncing the now was in the best interest of the club, which could now begin the process for finding a successor.

Swans president Darren Fraser said he was initially shocked by Baker's decision.

Baker had another year to go as non-playing coach in his agreement with Ballarat.

NOBODY WILL FORGET WHEN HE KICKED A GOAL AFTER THE SIREN TO WIN THE 2008 BFL GRAND FINAL. WATCH IT HERE (AND KEEP AN EYE ON SOMEONE TRYING TO JUMP THE FENCE).

Fraser said Baker was a club legend and highly respected.

Baker is originally from Derrinallum and spent five years with North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL from 1997.

His began his association with Ballarat in 2000 when he adopted the Swans as his home club.

He played a handful of games with the Swans while a Rooster before moving into the BFL on a full-time basis and went onto chalk up more than 200 games - reaching that milestone his first season as coach.

Baker played his way into Ballarat Football Club legendary status in the 2008 BFL grand final.

With the Swans down by five points against Darley, the then captain found himself with the football in his hands preparing for a set shot on goal as the final siren sounded.

About 50m out, Baker duly kicked a goal to give Ballarat victory and its first senior flag in 20 years.

Fraser said Baker was leaving the Swans in a strong position to continue the focus on the development of youngsters coming through the ranks - a priority during a major turnover in players since losing the 2014 grand final.

He said while this path might take three, four or five years to reach where the club ultimately wanted to be, it was an integral part of a strong culture.

Fraser believes Ballarat would be appealing for prospective coaches.

Fraser and Baker said the early announcement by no means signalled any thoughts of winding down this season's campaign.

"We're not putting the cue in the rack," Baker said.

He said it did not change anything with regard to what the Swans wanted to achieve.

Fraser said there was a great deal to play for.

"We win the last three games and we play finals."

The Swans have won three of their past four games to move into eighth position and within one win of sixth spot.

A win over East Point at the Eastern Oval on Saturday has the potential to put the Swans within percentage of a finals berth.