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Swann has a record of making decisions relatively quickly after consulting with the relevant parties, rather than long deliberations, a method that is likely at the AFL.
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The AFL view of his appointment is that it will improve club relations and the confidence that clubs have in the head office after a difficult half-season replete with challenges and controversy over various issues, including the sanctioning of players for off-field indiscretions and match review cases and the handling of umpiring.
While the news was broadly welcomed at club level, some clubs – St Kilda being the most vocal – have been agitating for changes to the talent academies in the northern states. Those arguing for change might find that Swann, given his experience as Lions chief executive, is unpersuaded by their academy concerns.
Swann has extensive media relationships and is expected to be encouraged to be a more public and open communicator for the league on football matters.
“Greg has a deep love and understanding of the game, he respects its heritage and has a great instinct on the future direction of footy. He understands how much it means for so many people,” Dillon said.
“As I said last week, the game is the reason we exist; it is as big and as good as it has ever been, and the AFL football department must continue to evolve.
Greg Swann was CEO of three AFL clubs: Collingwood, Carlton and Brisbane Lions.Credit: Getty Images
“I have great confidence in Laura and Greg to lead our newly announced football department and continue to work with our clubs, players, coaches, umpires, venues and officials to keep our game strong, and to ensure footy remains the number one sport in the country — by every measure.”
Swann, 63, was chief executive of Carlton and Collingwood, before taking the top job at the Lions in 2014.
He took over at a time when the Lions were struggling financially and performing poorly on the field, and he was responsible for the appointment of Chris Fagan as coach at the end of 2016.
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Swann leaves the Lions in robust health being debt free, operating out of a new $80 million high-performance centre, having just won a men’s premiership and likely to have $10 million in cash reserves at the end of the year.
Lightheartedly describing the AFL as the “mothership” when announcing his move to Lions players and staff on Monday, Swann noted Brisbane’s enviable record of playing in the past five grand finals for which they have competed – three AFLW grand finals (premiership in 2023) and the past two AFL deciders (premiership in 2024.
Swann will finish at the Lions on Friday, July 18 and start at AFL House on Monday, July 21.
The AFL is still searching for a new chief operating officer, who would be second in charge and a possible successor to Dillon. Three club CEOs – Tom Harley from Sydney, Simon Garlick from Fremantle and Ameet Bains from the Western Bulldogs – are on the shortlist.
A source close to Garlick, who do not want to be named, said he was doubtful of pursuing the position.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
Swann has a record of making decisions relatively quickly after consulting with the relevant parties, rather than long deliberations, a method that is likely at the AFL.
Loading
The AFL view of his appointment is that it will improve club relations and the confidence that clubs have in the head office after a difficult half-season replete with challenges and controversy over various issues, including the sanctioning of players for off-field indiscretions and match review cases and the handling of umpiring.
While the news was broadly welcomed at club level, some clubs – St Kilda being the most vocal – have been agitating for changes to the talent academies in the northern states. Those arguing for change might find that Swann, given his experience as Lions chief executive, is unpersuaded by their academy concerns.
Swann has extensive media relationships and is expected to be encouraged to be a more public and open communicator for the league on football matters.
“Greg has a deep love and understanding of the game, he respects its heritage and has a great instinct on the future direction of footy. He understands how much it means for so many people,” Dillon said.
“As I said last week, the game is the reason we exist; it is as big and as good as it has ever been, and the AFL football department must continue to evolve.
Greg Swann was CEO of three AFL clubs: Collingwood, Carlton and Brisbane Lions.Credit: Getty Images
“I have great confidence in Laura and Greg to lead our newly announced football department and continue to work with our clubs, players, coaches, umpires, venues and officials to keep our game strong, and to ensure footy remains the number one sport in the country — by every measure.”
Swann, 63, was chief executive of Carlton and Collingwood, before taking the top job at the Lions in 2014.
He took over at a time when the Lions were struggling financially and performing poorly on the field, and he was responsible for the appointment of Chris Fagan as coach at the end of 2016.
Loading
Swann leaves the Lions in robust health being debt free, operating out of a new $80 million high-performance centre, having just won a men’s premiership and likely to have $10 million in cash reserves at the end of the year.
Lightheartedly describing the AFL as the “mothership” when announcing his move to Lions players and staff on Monday, Swann noted Brisbane’s enviable record of playing in the past five grand finals for which they have competed – three AFLW grand finals (premiership in 2023) and the past two AFL deciders (premiership in 2024.
Swann will finish at the Lions on Friday, July 18 and start at AFL House on Monday, July 21.
The AFL is still searching for a new chief operating officer, who would be second in charge and a possible successor to Dillon. Three club CEOs – Tom Harley from Sydney, Simon Garlick from Fremantle and Ameet Bains from the Western Bulldogs – are on the shortlist.
A source close to Garlick, who do not want to be named, said he was doubtful of pursuing the position.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
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