Fremantle great Matthew Pavlich announced as Sydney Swans CEO

Fremantle great Matthew Pavlich has been appointed the new chief executive officer of the Sydney Swans.

The AFL Hall of Fame member and former Dockers captain will replace Tom Harley who departs the Swans after five years as CEO to take the role of the AFL's chief operating officer.

Sydney Swans Chairman  Andrew Pridham said Pavlich was selected following an executive recruitment process and they are delighted to welcome him to the club.

“He is a champion of our game and brings to the club a wealth of football experience both from a playing, as well as an administrative, perspective," Mr Pridham said.

“Not only did he play more than 350 games at the highest level, he served for more than 11 years on the AFL Players’ Association Board, including three years as President, and was also an advisor on the AFL Laws of the Game Committee for two years.

“We are excited to be welcoming Matthew, Lauren, and their three children to the Swans as they make the move over from Perth.”

Pavlich will leave his on-air roles at Fox Footy and 9 News Perth to take up the role of CEO.

“The Sydney Swans is a highly successful, well respected and well managed football club,” Mr Pavlich said.

“It is a big decision to uproot the family and bring them across the country to Sydney, but I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to lead this great and highly professional club.

“I’m looking forward to working with the clubs leaders and playing groups to continue the success of this iconic club over the coming years.”