Sydney Swans chief executive officer Tom Harley will join the AFL as their chief operating officer at the end of the 2025 season.
The AFL executive team has seen a major overhaul recently, with Harley’s being the second club CEO to join the AFL this month after Brisbane CEO Greg Swann.
Harley, who is also a two-time premiership captain, joined Sydney in 2014 as their general manager of football before becoming their CEO in 2019.
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AFL’s CEO, Andrew Dillon, explained the move was about bringing more club experience into the executive team.
"When we first announced the COO position, we were clear — this was about bringing strong club experience to the AFL’s leadership," Dillon said
"Tom Harley is the right person to do exactly that."
Harley stated he was proud of what he accomplished at the Swans, but is looking forward to his new role at the AFL
"Football has been so good to me, and I have always seen my involvement as a privilege. I’m deeply passionate about our sport and committed to doing whatever I can to support its continued growth," he said.
"I’m energised by the challenge ahead and excited to keep working to grow our great game."
Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann joined earlier in the month after Laura Kane’s position was split into two after Dillon announced it was too much responsibility for one person.
"Laura will continue to play a major leadership role within the AFL, but the overall responsibility has grown so much that the traditional leadership role for an individual executive in footy is no longer the best model," Dillon stated in May.
Harley has 28 years of experience across the AFL on and off the field and will start his role at the end of the season.