Greg Swann’s departure from the Brisbane Lions was marked by jubilant celebrations, as the long-serving CEO was showered in Gatorade following the team’s 10-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba. Swann, who has been a pivotal figure in club administration for over 25 years, is now set to assume a significant role at AFL House, where he will focus on the future of the game.
As Swann prepares to take on his new responsibilities next week, his primary objective will be to address the duration of AFL matches. Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph disclosed that Swann aims to reduce match lengths by minimizing in-game delays, such as those caused by the center bounce and boundary throw-ins.
Swann’s Vision for AFL’s Future
Swann’s transition to AFL House marks a new chapter in his career, where he will oversee crucial aspects of the game, including the Match Review Officer (MRO), umpiring, game analysis, and innovation. In a post-match interview with Fox Footy, Swann emphasized his intention to make subtle adjustments rather than sweeping changes.
“It’s a great game and it’s in good health. My thing will be tweaking things,” Swann stated. “I want to talk to the clubs about what they say. But there’s some things that are pretty evident.”
Swann acknowledged the current average quarter length of 35 minutes as excessive and expressed a desire to streamline the game by expediting processes such as ruck contests. He also hinted at potential technological advancements for the AFL Review Centre (ARC) to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of score reviews.
Challenges and Expectations
While Swann’s appointment has generated significant interest, Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan cautioned against expecting immediate radical changes. Fagan urged patience, highlighting the complexity of Swann’s new role and the need for a thorough evaluation of existing issues.
“There’s been a lot of things that have been talked about since Swanny’s appointment. He’s going to fix everything apparently,” Fagan remarked. “I would suggest people give him a little bit of time.”
Swann’s legacy at Brisbane is substantial, having played a crucial role in transforming the club from bottom of the ladder to a premiership-winning team in 2024. His prior experience as CEO of Collingwood and Carlton further underscores his expertise and leadership in the AFL landscape.
Looking Ahead: Swann’s Next Chapter
Reflecting on his departure from Brisbane, Swann expressed mixed emotions about leaving the club after 11 years. However, he remains optimistic about his future endeavors at AFL House, where he will shift his focus to broader issues impacting the game.
“It was really strange coming to the (Lions-Dogs) game knowing it was the last one,” Swann admitted. “But I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”
Swann’s new role will involve scrutinizing umpiring decisions and reviewing rules, as well as exploring innovative solutions to enhance the game’s appeal and efficiency. As he embarks on this new journey, the AFL community eagerly anticipates the impact of his leadership and vision.
Swann’s transition to AFL House represents not only a personal milestone but also a pivotal moment for the sport, as he seeks to balance tradition with innovation to ensure the game’s continued success.
