harley replacement - Matthew Pavlich confirmed as new CEO on 6 August 2025

[Thunder Shaker]

One thing it will do is ensure the future of the Northern States Academy’s which have undoubtedly been a huge success in the growth of the game in rugby dominated states. While the Southern States bang on about the unfair advantage that the Northern States have, they ignore the growth in participation rates throughout the region which can only benefit everyone in the long term.

These clubs complain about the northern Academies, while sending recruiting scouts to those Academies, making bids on Academy players and even recruiting some of them. That they can recruit these players shows clearly that the Academies are working as intended: to foster the growth of Australian football.

[KSAS]

Gerard Healy on SEN last night raised whether John Longmire might be a left field choice for CEO (he must've read this thread)! His fellow panelists in Sam Edmund & Brad Johnson immediately thought he might have some inside knowledge.

Gerard also mentioned Jason McCartney as another possible candidate.

[stevoswan]

Gerard Healy on SEN last night raised whether John Longmire might be a left field choice for CEO (he must've read this thread)! His fellow panelists in Sam Edmund & Brad Johnson immediately thought he might have some inside knowledge.

Gerard also mentioned Jason McCartney as another possible candidate.

I would love to see Horse as our CEO....but if not him, McCartney would be good too. His story from footy player to Bali survivor and back to footy then retiring is one of the great resilience stories in football, he is a man of solid character.....although I wasn't too impressed with his confronting Paps last year. That maybe was just a 'heat of the moment' of madness and if anything, shows his loyalty to whoever he represents.....but first choice is Horse for me.

[Thunder Shaker]

Cal Twomey has suggested the Giants' CEO Dave Matthews as a possible replacement for Harley. He has been the CEO of the Giants since 2011.

[KSAS]

Caro on Agenda Setters tonight mentioned hearing support for John Longmire as Harley's replacement. Apparently the club has been impressed with his Executive role this year. But in her opinion doesn't think he will be the CEO, believing a coaching role is more likely.

However she did mention former Swan Graig Bolton as a possible candidate, who has been successful in the Corporate world since his retirement. Jason McCartney also got another mention.

[KSAS]

Has been quiet in this space. Wonder how the selection process is progressing and whether an announcement will be made soon, given a hand over period will be required before Harley heads off to the AFL post season.

[UUaswan]

Matthew Pavlich

[Ocker]

Matthew Pavlich

Looks like a great choice - another with SA/WA background.

[crackedactor 01]

Matthew Pavlich

Did not see that one coming!

[KSAS]

Did not see that one coming!

+1 Didn't realise Pav's business credentials and his involvement with the AFL post his football career. Another WA influence!

Was hoping for Horse, but Pav looks like a good choice on paper. Like Harley, he also comes into the role after stint in the media.

[liz]

I wonder if his CEO responsibilities could be extended to helping Jack Buller with his set shot kicking routine? (With McLean, Amartey and McDonald very welcome to join in too.)

[lwjoyner]

what happens to JL now. Is demons jon for him so soon after giving up swans role?

[mcs]

I wonder if his CEO responsibilities could be extended to helping Jack Buller with his set shot kicking routine? (With McLean, Amartey and McDonald very welcome to join in too.)

It should have been a key criteria :P Can help a large majority of our players, not just those few!

Pavlich seems a solid selection - while his business experience is relatively limited etc, he is very well regarded in the footy community, and has vast experience on the AFL players side of things.

[stevoswan]

Did not see that one coming!

Wow, neither did I! Interesting choice indeed.

I never really disliked him as a player so that's a good start I suppose.

[stevoswan]

what happens to JL now. Is demons jon for him so soon after giving up swans role?

Word is the Demons are going to go for JL hard.

Another ex-Swan coach going in to 'save' the Demons again?