To see highlghts from Rudan's Sydney career...

Rudan could face disciplinary action and a ban over the incident in Friday Nights match against Newcastle where Jets star Joel Griffiths was flattened.

Video of the incident suggests Rudan delivered a crunching off-the-ball bodycheck to the Jets hero who appeared to be knocked out afterwards.

But Rudan could escape action as the video isn't clear if it was him or another Sydney defender.

An FFA match review panel will almost certainly decide his fate later this week.

The 32-year-old, who was off contract at the end of this season, will leave Sydney FC after Saturday’s game if he plays.

Rudan had been weighing up the offer presented to him by former Sydney FC coach Pierre Littbarski for several weeks.

“It has been a very tough decision for me,” Rudan said. “I have enjoyed the best times of my football career at Sydney FC.

"It was very tough to leave but my family has to come first and although I am sad to be leaving it is something I have to do.

“Being a Sydney boy I was very proud to be the inaugural captain of Sydney FC and the memories of my time here; Grand Finals, Club World Championships and the Asian Champions League are something I will always cherish.

“I may be leaving but I would love to come back and have some kind of involvement at Sydney FC down the track.”

Saturday night’s clash with Perth Glory at the Sydney Football Stadium was to be special for the defender as it is his 50th Hyundai A-League appearance but it has extra significance as it could also be his last in Sydney FC colours.

“I’m happy to be playing my last game at home because the support we have received from the Sydney fans has been great right from the start of the A-League,” Rudan said.

“It will be nice to hear and see the support from the Cove and around the ground one more time. They have made the experience even better for me.”

One of his final contributions to Sydney FC was the gutsy never-say-die 92nd minute run that set up Steve Corica’s stunning late winner against Newcastle Jets on Friday night.

Rudan has been the rock on which the Sydney defence has been built in the first three years of the A-League and although his loss is a big one, he leaves Sydney FC with the blessing of the club.

“There is no doubt that Mark Rudan has been one the best players and best club men Sydney FC has had in its first three years,” said CEO George Perry.

“Everyone involved with Sydney FC speaks incredibly highly of him and we wish him luck in Japan.

“He will be a big loss and he will be missed but he will also be welcome back at Sydney FC when he finishes his time in Japan.

"It is important for Sydney FC as a club that people like Mark Rudan stay involved after they finish their careers.”

Current Sydney captain Tony Popovic also spoke highly of his defensive partner: “Rudes (Rudan) has been massive for Sydney FC.

"His attitude is second none, as he showed with that overlapping run to set up our winner last weekend.

“I have enjoyed playing with him and I know I speak for the rest of his team mates when I wish him luck.”

To see highlghts from Rudan's Sydney career...