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

[imuninformedtwo]

Limited and high quality are not mutually exclusive states. What I meant by that was he hasn't got extensive business experience in high profile roles etc. but he has done well with what he has worked on, and definitely has the wider experience and knowledge needed.

Our board rarely gets its appointments wrong.

Gotcha. And yes, every time I look at a club like Melbourne this week and then see our board do the job it regularly does, I thank my lucky stars.

[mcs]

Actually, his business acumen is first class. The talent management business he helped start and has run successfully for close to a decade is worth a ton, and they’ve cracked both the US and UK markets. He’s got a nice blend of balance sheet, technology and marketing exposure - perfect for the job he’s taking on, in addition to his footy history.

A genuinely great get for the club, and who knows, if he takes up Liz’s droll suggestion, we get a two for one.

Oh, and for what it is worth, I don’t think Horse applied, so he won’t be miffed at missing out, so to speak.

Limited and high quality are not mutually exclusive states. What I meant by that was he hasn't got extensive business experience in high profile roles etc. but he has done well with what he has worked on, and definitely has the wider experience and knowledge needed.

Our board rarely gets its appointments wrong.

[imuninformedtwo]

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.

Actually, his business acumen is first class. The talent management business he helped start and has run successfully for close to a decade is worth a ton, and they’ve cracked both the US and UK markets. He’s got a nice blend of balance sheet, technology and marketing exposure - perfect for the job he’s taking on, in addition to his footy history.

A genuinely great get for the club, and who knows, if he takes up Liz’s droll suggestion, we get a two for one.

Oh, and for what it is worth, I don’t think Horse applied, so he won’t be miffed at missing out, so to speak.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[lwjoyner]

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

[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.)

[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.

[crackedactor 01]

Matthew Pavlich

Did not see that one coming!

[Ocker]

Matthew Pavlich

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

[UUaswan]

Matthew Pavlich

[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.

[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.

[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.