Ex-Fremantle player Matthew Pavlich, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of AFL club Sydney Swans, the club announced this morning.

This comes seven weeks after current Swans CEO Tom Harley told the media that he would be leaving the position after the 2025 season to take up the position as AFL chief operating officer in 2026.

Pavlich served as captain from 2007-2015, kicked 700 goals for the Dockers and has been awarded the Fremantle Club Champion medal six times.

Since his retirement, Pavlich has worked on-screen at both Channel 9 and Fox Footy and served 11 years on the AFL Players’ Association Board, three of which he served as president.

In a statement posted on the Sydney Swans official website, Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham said the club are delighted to welcome Pavlich to the important role at 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,” he said.

Pavlich said he is looking forward to working with club leaders and playing groups to continue the success of the iconic club.

“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.”

Photo: by Cheryl Davis is available here and used under a Creative Commons licence.