Former Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich will succeed Tom Harley as Sydney Swans chief executive.
The appointment, which is expected to be announced as early as Wednesday, has been confirmed by two industry sources with knowledge of the decision.
Matthew Pavlich.Credit: AFL Photos
Pavlich, who reads sports bulletins for Nine, the owner of this masthead, in Perth has recently been linked to the position of AFLPA boss that’s been vacated by Paul Marsh. The six-time All-Australian played 353 games for the Dockers.
“It honestly wasn’t on my radar, but the Swans are a highly successful and respected club and after talking it through with Lauren and our three kids, we knew it was an opportunity too good to pass up,” Pavlich said.
“I’ve always admired the Swans from afar. Their culture and history of success has the respect of the footy world and I can’t wait to contribute to that.
“I’ve always had an enormous passion for the game I grew up loving and the transition from playing into a mix of business and media led me to this opportunity”.
Pavlich co-founded talent, technology and brand partnership business Launchd and played a role in creative services company PMY Group after achieving his MBA from the University of Western Australia.
“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,” Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham said.