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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[rojo]

Yes, the Academy nay sayers have a very narrow view and refuse to look further to the flow on affects it has to Aussie Rules in these states. For example, there are 700 kids in our Academy this year. 99% probably won't make it to AFL level, but having been introduced to the skills of Aussie Rules, are likely to continue in other leagues( Men and Women). Thus, Increasing participation outside the Academies.

I think Tom Harley will do an excellent job in general as the AFL COO and provide Andrew Dillion that extra level of confidence of having him by his side.

Even though I'm keen for Horse to replace Harley (without knowing if he's at all interested), glad the club has setup a Selection Committee to look under every rock so they can find the best successor. Also pleased Harley will hang around till at least end of the season, to groom in his successor.

+1

[KSAS]

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.

Yes, the Academy nay sayers have a very narrow view and refuse to look further to the flow on affects it has to Aussie Rules in these states. For example, there are 700 kids in our Academy this year. 99% probably won't make it to AFL level, but having been introduced to the skills of Aussie Rules, are likely to continue in other leagues( Men and Women). Thus, Increasing participation outside the Academies.

I think Tom Harley will do an excellent job in general as the AFL COO and provide Andrew Dillion that extra level of confidence of having him by his side.

Even though I'm keen for Horse to replace Harley (without knowing if he's at all interested), glad the club has setup a Selection Committee to look under every rock so they can find the best successor. Also pleased Harley will hang around till at least end of the season, to groom in his successor.

[BRS328]

The big reset: How will Tom Harley and Greg Swann improve the AFL?

Not about Harley's replacement, but rather what his job (literal and figurative) will be when he departs us and heads to AFL House.

I did grimace at the comment from an (uncredited) Melbourne based club person that they would be watching closely to make sure Harley and Swann don't lean too much into the Northern clubs.

Lean, Tom. Lean in hard.

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.

[liz]

The big reset: How will Tom Harley and Greg Swann improve the AFL?

Not about Harley's replacement, but rather what his job (literal and figurative) will be when he departs us and heads to AFL House.

I did grimace at the comment from an (uncredited) Melbourne based club person that they would be watching closely to make sure Harley and Swann don't lean too much into the Northern clubs.

Lean, Tom. Lean in hard.

[Hotpotato]

Thank you Tom Harley for your awesome work with the
Swannies.
You will make an outstanding COO.

[Thunder Shaker]

Sliding doors has something to say on Sydney's need for a new administrator. Doesn't say much (SD never does); I'm posting this for completeness.

[Sandridge]

Also, while on this subject, may I pay tribute to Tom Harley's stellar leadership of the club. His period with the Swans has been highly successful on and off the field, especially off it....as it's the players and coaches who are responsible for the lack of flags during his time at the club, not him. Thank you Tom Harley for your loyal service.

Hear, hear Stevo!

Harley has been magnificent for us! They say no-one's indispensable but he'll be very, very hard to replace!

[Blood Fever]

JL is the logical choice unless we’re looking for an outsider. Horse for me- can’t see how anyone else could be more committed.

Would be a reassuring choice.

[The Big Cat]

I agree. Although JL has been strongly linked to the Tassie coaching job (mainly by Vic 'know nothings' and purely because he was 'available') that positions very existence is now somewhat 'up in the air' so this might be the perfect fit for him.
.

Didn't I read somewhere that Longmire has just purchased a flash new property in Sydney?

[stevoswan]

JL is the logical choice unless we’re looking for an outsider. Horse for me- can’t see how anyone else could be more committed.

I agree. Although JL has been strongly linked to the Tassie coaching job (mainly by Vic 'know nothings' and purely because he was 'available') that positions very existence is now somewhat 'up in the air' so this might be the perfect fit for him.

Also, while on this subject, may I pay tribute to Tom Harley's stellar leadership of the club. His period with the Swans has been highly successful on and off the field, especially off it....as it's the players and coaches who are responsible for the lack of flags during his time at the club, not him. Thank you Tom Harley for your loyal service.

[Roadrunner]

Not sure Leon Cameron would be interested in such a role. Better to stay in his current role. Not sure where your " serious doubts" come from.

JL is the logical choice unless we’re looking for an outsider. Horse for me- can’t see how anyone else could be more committed.

[Blood Fever]

Not sure Leon Cameron would be interested in such a role. Better to stay in his current role. Not sure where your " serious doubts" come from.