Sydney Swans icon Jarrad McVeigh splits with AFL club after 23 legendary years

Sydney Swans premiership captain Jarrad McVeigh is on his way out of the AFL club after 23 legendary years.

The 40-year-old retired at the end of 2019 — in an emotional farewell game on the anniversary of his newborn daughter’s death — and immediately moved into coaching, leaning on his 325 games of experience as an assistant to John Longmire.

He stepped across to lead the Swans’ VFL team in 2025 after Longmire left and long-time assistant Dean Cox took over as AFL senior coach.

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But McVeigh’s stint has now come to an end in favour of an opportunity in the United States.

“It has been an incredible journey with the Sydney Swans, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here,” McVeigh said in a club statement.

“Football clubs are about people and relationships, and I have been so fortunate to have worked with incredible people over the journey, from my teammates to the players I now coach, our staff, our board, and our passionate supporters.

“I’ve grown up at this club and it has been an emotional decision to leave, but I am excited about what the next chapter holds for my family.”

McVeigh was drafted with pick No.5 in 2002 but had to wait until 2004 to make his AFL debut.

He almost immediately became a regular but fell out of favour on the run to the Swans’ 2005 premiership.

Bouncing back to play every game in 2006, McVeigh missed out on glory again when Sydney this time lost the grand final.

But he was not to be denied in 2012, lifting the cup with Longmire after a 10-point win over Hawthorn.

The premiership capped off an emotional 18 months for McVeigh and wife Clementine.

The Swans, and the entire AFL, rallied around the family after they lost their first child Luella in 2011 just one month after she was born with a heart condition.

Clementine gave birth to their second child just under a year later, and grand final success followed with little Lolita at the centre of the celebrations.

The McVeighs welcomed a third daughter, Florence, in 2017.

The McVeigh family gathered at the SCG after Jarrad announced his retirement. Credit: Getty

McVeigh also led the Swans to grand finals in 2014 and 2016 before contributing as a coach to further appearances in the decider in 2022 and 2024.

“Jarrad has been an integral part of our club for more than two decades, exemplifying the courage, grit and determination our club is known for,” Swans chairman Pridham said.

“It has been our privilege to watch him flourish as a player, a leader, and a father, and while he may be departing our club, he will always be part of our red and white family.

“On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank ‘Macca’ for his enormous contribution. We wish him, together with Clementine, Lolita and Florence, all the very best for their adventure in Chicago.”