The AFL have poached Sydney chief executive Tom Harley who will join the league to work alongside CEO Andrew Dillon as the chief operating officer.
His decision to accept the role completes Dillon’s overhaul of the executive with Brisbane Lions’ CEO Greg Swann joining the revamped leadership team as the AFL’s football performance executive.
Harley was one of several club CEOs considered for the position including the Western Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains and Fremantle’s Simon Garlick.
Experienced Swans administrator Tom Harley.Credit: Getty Images
Harley, who captained Geelong in two premierships, moved into the media then administration with NSW/AFL before becoming the Swans’ football manager.
He was appointed Sydney CEO in 2018 taking over from Andrew Ireland, who is now on the AFL Commission.
Two competition sources who chose to remain anonymous confirmed an announcement was expected on Thursday with Harley departing Sydney after 10 years.
His departure follows the departure of John Longmire as senior coach at the end of last season as the Swans go through a transition period after they were soundly beaten by the Brisbane Lions in last year’s grand final.
Dillon decided a revamp was needed after a series of missteps in football operations and a chorus of complaints from clubs with Tanya Hosch departing and former AFL footy boss Laura Kane’s job split in half as she assumed the role of football operations. Kane remains on the executive.
The Sydney Swans and the AFL were contacted for comment.
