Newly appointed Sydney Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich has disclosed that a text message he received while chauffeuring his children to their Saturday morning sports engagements was the catalyst for his latest career move. The message came from a recruiter eager to gauge Pavlich’s interest in the role left vacant by Tom Harley, who is set to join the AFL as its chief operating officer.
“It was a bit left-field,” Pavlich shared during an interview on Nine’s Today show. “I was approached via text message on a Saturday morning as I was trying to get my three kids to various school sports. But once I got through that process with the recruiter, met the club, and went through the interview, I was thrilled. [I am] very, very humbled about the opportunity ahead.”
From AFL Legend to Executive Leader
Pavlich, who was officially announced as the Swans’ new chief executive last week, is no stranger to success. The 43-year-old boasts an illustrious AFL career, having kicked 700 goals during his tenure from 2000 to 2016 with Fremantle. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia. Since retiring from professional football, Pavlich has remained active in the AFL industry, co-founded a brand partnerships business, and worked in media, including as a sports presenter for 9News Perth.
“It’s a huge role, and I guess I’ve been building for this for a long time,” Pavlich remarked about his new position with the Swans. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in managing a business that generates over $70 million in revenue annually. “It’s a big business in terms of people,” he noted.
Challenges and Opportunities
Moving to Sydney presents its own set of challenges for Pavlich. “Sydney, as well … I don’t know a lot of people, so I need to get quickly into the community, meet our fans, meet our members, all the commercial partners and corporate partners. There’s going to be a lot of pounding the pavement when I first get there,” he admitted.
Meanwhile, the Swans are navigating their own hurdles on the field. In a rematch of the 2024 grand final, they recently secured an unexpected two-point victory over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. Despite this win, the Swans, currently placed 10th on the ladder, are out of finals contention. They are set to face the Geelong Cats at the SCG on Sunday.
Looking Forward
The transition at the Swans’ executive level comes as Tom Harley prepares to leave his role at the season’s end to assume his new position with the AFL. Harley’s new role as the league’s chief operating officer was created this year, marking a significant step in his career.
Pavlich’s appointment is seen as a strategic move for the Swans, leveraging his extensive experience and leadership skills. As he steps into this new chapter, Pavlich’s journey from AFL legend to executive leader is a testament to his versatility and commitment to the sport.
“It’s a big business in terms of people,” Pavlich emphasized, highlighting the scale and complexity of his new role.
As the Swans look to the future, Pavlich’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His ability to connect with the community and drive the club’s commercial success will be key to his success as CEO.
