Sydney have added an experienced AFL duo to their coaching ranks, as recently retired GWS Giant Steve Johnson will lead the Swans' forward line in 2018.
Johnson won three premierships for Geelong over his 293-game career, and spent the final two years at the Giants, reaching two preliminary finals with the club.
Sydney's Head of Football Tom Harley has lauded Johnson's leadership ability and believes he'll bring a lot to the club.
“Steve brings an impressive playing record and is widely acknowledged as having elite football IQ,” Harley told sydneyswans.com.au.
“Towards the end of his playing days, Steve invested in his coaching career and as such we are very confident that he will transition to become a quality coach.
“Steve and his family are settled in Sydney and we are excited about welcoming them to the Swans.”
Swans premiership player Tadhg Kennelly will also return to the club in a coaching role, and will join departing defender Jeremy Laidler as a development coach.
In another coaching move, the 2017 AFL Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the Year, Rhyce Shaw, has been promoted to an assistant coaching position.
“We are looking forward to the start of the pre-season with a new-look coaching group,” Harley added.
“Steve Johnson and Tadhg Kennelly will bring new ideas and a fresh perspective whilst Rhyce Shaw’s promotion from NEAFL coach to the senior coaching panel highlights how highly we regard him.
“We continually look at ways to improve and innovate and our 2018 coaching panel led by John Longmire provides us an opportunity to do so.”
