Greg Swann, the outgoing CEO of the Brisbane Lions, has been given a memorable farewell as he prepares to take on significant responsibilities at AFL House. Swann, who has been a pivotal figure in club administration for over 25 years, will now focus on the broader aspects of the game, including match regulations and innovations. His departure was marked by jubilant scenes at the Gabba, where the Lions secured a 10-point victory over the Western Bulldogs.
Swann’s transition to his new role as the AFL’s footy boss will see him prioritize the reduction of match durations, a move that is expected to resonate across the league. As he prepares to assume his new duties next week, Swann has expressed a desire to minimize in-game delays, such as those caused by the center bounce and out-of-bounds situations.
Swann’s Legacy at Brisbane and Future Plans
During his tenure at Brisbane, Swann played a crucial role in transforming the club from the bottom of the ladder to a premiership-winning team in 2024. His leadership was celebrated on Friday night when he was showered in Gatorade and joined in the team song, alongside his wife Leonie. Swann described the send-off as “good fun” and a “good gesture.”
Looking ahead, Swann’s responsibilities at AFL House will include overseeing the Match Review Officer (MRO), umpiring, game analysis, and the laws of the game. According to Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph, Swann’s immediate focus will be on shortening matches by addressing in-game delays.
“I was quoted yesterday saying the game is too long … hopefully we can get into that pretty quickly,” Swann stated. “Even waiting for ruckmen, if there’s guys there, just throw the ball up and get on with it, that sort of stuff. I think quarters are averaging 35 minutes now, it’s too long.”
Technological Innovations on the Horizon
Swann also hinted at potential technological upgrades to the AFL Review Centre (ARC), following several lengthy score reviews during the Lions’ recent match. One notable review involved determining whether Liam Jones juggled the ball through for a behind, which took several minutes to resolve.
“Hopefully there’s some technology around so we can speed that up and maybe get that more accurate. I think there’s some meetings around some new technology, so hopefully we can get that done,” Swann remarked.
The announcement comes as the AFL is increasingly looking to integrate technology to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of game reviews, a move that could significantly impact how matches are officiated.
Expert Opinions and Expectations
While Swann’s appointment has generated significant interest, Lions coach Chris Fagan has urged patience, cautioning against expecting immediate radical changes. “There’s been a lot of things that have been talked about since Swanny’s appointment. He’s going to fix everything apparently,” Fagan said. “I would suggest people give him a little bit of time. He can’t just come in and make radical change in five minutes.”
“People need to be patient and not think he’s going to make radical change in two weeks,” Fagan added, emphasizing the complexity of Swann’s new role.
Swann’s extensive experience, including previous roles as CEO of Collingwood and Carlton, positions him well to tackle the challenges ahead. His focus will be on refining the game rather than implementing sweeping changes, a strategy that aligns with his philosophy of incremental improvement.
The Road Ahead for Swann and the AFL
As Swann prepares to embark on this new chapter, he reflects on his long career in club administration with a sense of nostalgia. “It was really strange coming to the (Lions-Dogs) game knowing it was the last one. Been here for 11 years. So that part is a bit sad. I love clubland, I’ve been a CEO for 25 years. But looking forward to the next chapter,” he said.
Swann’s move to AFL House represents a significant shift in his career, as he transitions from club-level management to a broader role in shaping the future of Australian football. His focus on game duration and technological advancement signals a forward-thinking approach that could influence the sport for years to come.
As Swann takes on his new responsibilities, the football community will be watching closely to see how his initiatives unfold and what impact they will have on the game. The journey ahead promises to be both challenging and rewarding, as Swann seeks to leave his mark on the AFL landscape.
