Sydney has announced that former Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich as the club's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The position was made vacant following Geelong premiership player Tom Harley heading to AFL headquarters as the COO, leaving the Swans to fill the role.
Pavlich's appointment comes shortly after the club farewelled long-time coach John Longmire, who was succeeded by Dean Cox.
"The Sydney Swans is a highly successful, well-respected and well-managed football club," Pavlich said.
"It is a big decision to uproot the family and bring them across the country to Sydney, but I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to lead this great and highly professional club.
"I'm looking forward to working with the club's leaders and playing groups to continue the success of this iconic club over the coming years."
Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham was excited by the knowledge and business acumen the former Dockers captain would bring to the role and the club.
"We are delighted to be welcoming Matthew to take on this important role at our club," Mr Pridham said.
"He is a champion of our game and brings to the club a wealth of football experience both from a playing, as well as an administrative, perspective.
"Not only did he play more than 350 games at the highest level, he served for more than 11 years on the AFL Players' Association Board, including three years as President, and was also an advisor on the AFL Laws of the Game Committee for two years."
Pavlich successfully co-founded the talent, technology, and brand partnerships business Launchd, where he has served as its Executive Chairman, and assisted the early growth phase of technology, data, and creative services company PMY Group. He also has a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Western Australia.
He's also transitioned into the media, working on-air for Fox Footy and 9 News, and covering major events like the Paris Olympics and the Australian Open.
"Together with his business pursuits in the sports and entertainment industry, Matthew has stayed involved in the game since his retirement from playing in 2016 and is widely respected across the industry," Pridham said.
"We believe he will fit in well with the Sydney Swans culture and bring his own unique insights and perspectives that will benefit the club moving forward."
Playing Career
353 AFL games for Fremantle
Fremantle Captain 2007-2015
8 x Fremantle leading goalkicker
6 x Doig Medallist (Fremantle Club champion)
6 x All Australian (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
2 x International Rules representative (2002, 2003)
Professional career
Co-Founder and Executive Chair – Launchd (2017-current)
Business and Commercial Manager – PMY Group (2017 – current)
AFL Laws of the Game Committee – Advisor (2008-2010)
AFL Players' Association – President (2015-2018)
