John Longmire’s emotional Sydney goodbye laid bare in club video

John Longmire thanked his players in an emotional address before confirming his 333-game tenure as Sydney’s senior coach was over. WATCH here.

John Longmire speaks to media after announcing he had stepped down as Swans coach.

John Longmire told his players he was proud to step aside as Sydney coach with the club in the healthiest position it has ever been.

In an emotional address to the club’s players, Longmire said the club’s record membership, record crowds and strong list left him confident it was the right time to hand the reins to Dean Cox.

“I know we talk about passing the baton over to someone else, whether you’re a player or a staff member. I talked about it with players a lot,” Longmire said.

“It’s the same thing as a coach. Sometimes you’ve got to make sure that the joint’s in a pretty good spot. It’s been one of the great thrills. Going to the SCG, listening to the crowds.

“Record crowds, record membership, list in good spot. I feel good about that.”

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"I'm fortunate to call alot of you guys friends, and I appreciate that almost the most" 🥹

Watch Horse's incredible and emotional speech to players and staff earlier today.

FULL 🎥 https://t.co/TJ8KsqT7ibpic.twitter.com/U02WxmUtqg

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 26, 2024

News broke on Tuesday morning that Longmire would step down, with his longtime assistant coach Cox stepping into the senior role.

“You know you’re in great hands. The big fella is ready to go. He’s already parked in my car park out the front. Thanks for letting me be your coach and good luck,” Longmire said.

Longmire conceded that even with Sydney flying midway through 2024, he couldn’t shake the feeling his time as coach was nearing its end.

“I’ve been able to build such great relationships with so many important people to this club which I really value. I want to thank the playing groups which I’ve been involved with. Generations of them. It’s been an enormous pleasure to watch you guys come through,” he told the club’s players and staff.

“18 year old kids, to playing your first game a lot of you, to becoming established quality AFL players and then a lot of times, have kids, retire and move on.”