Greg Swann has gone being showered in Gatorade to suddenly having the keys to major responsibilities around the future of the game.

And the incoming AFL footy boss will prioritise shortening matches as he prepares to start his new role at AFL house next week.

Brisbane sent off Swann in style in Friday night’s 10-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba. The long-time Lions chief executive was showered in Gatorade then brought into the team song with his wife Leonie in jubilant scenes Swann described as “good fun” and a “good gesture.”

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Swann, who’s been involved in club administration for over 25 years, will now turn his attention to helping oversee the wider game at large, with the MRO, umpiring, game analysis, laws of the game and innovation among his responsibilities.

Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph revealed this week Swann’s priority will be to try and reduce the total length of matches by minimising in-game delays including the centre bounce and out of bounds.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 18: Outgoing Brisbane Lionsn CEO Greg Swann is seen during post-match celebrations following the 2025 AFL Round 19 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba on July 18, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesBRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JULY 18: Outgoing Brisbane Lionsn CEO Greg Swann is seen during post-match celebrations following the 2025 AFL Round 19 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba on July 18, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Swann confirmed to Fox Footy post-match he wanted to shorten games, but don’t expect sweeping changes across the board.

“It’s a great game and it’s in good health. My thing will be tweaking things,” he said.

“I want to talk to the clubs about what they say. But there’s some things that are pretty evident.

“I was quoted yesterday saying the game is too long … hopefully we can get into that pretty quickly.

“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.”

Swann also forecasted potential technology upgrades to the ARC (AFL Review Centre) following a number of score reviews in Brisbane’s win over the Bulldogs.

It included a review that took several minutes regarding whether or not Liam Jones juggled a ball the ball through for a behind with around three minutes left in the fourth quarter.

“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 said.

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There’s been calls far and and wide for what Swann’s key ticket items should be including potential changes to the Match Review Officer and Tribunal.

But Lions coach Chris Fagan didn’t anticipate “radical change” straight away.

“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 on Thursday morning.

“I would suggest people give him a little bit of time. He can’t just come in and make radical change in five minutes.

“He needs to look at all the different issues and all the different angles and when the time is right, come up with a few solutions.

“I’ve heard the narrative that: ‘Swanny’s gonna do this and Swanny’s gonna do that’. It’s an incredibly hard job he’s walking into.

“People need to be patient and not think he’s going to make radical change in two weeks.”

Swann leaves a strong legacy behind at Brisbane after helping turn the club around from sitting on the bottom of the ladder to a premiership in 2024 under Fagan.

Before that he was CEO of Collingwood and Carlton.

“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,” Swann added.

“Now I’ll be watching games and probably having a look at the umpires and checking the rules out and doing a few other things.

“But I’m looking forward to it and I think it will be great.”