Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews says AFL will be better with the addition of Greg Swann

“Exciting” times are ahead for the AFL following the appointment of a new head of football performance who has been given a huge rap by his former club.

Brisbane co-captain Harris Andrews will miss the “energy’ of departing Lions chief executive officer Greg Swann but says his move to AFL headquarters will be for the betterment of the competition and supporters.

Swann will leave the Lions next month after 11 years at the club after being poached by the AFL to become the organisation’s head of football performance, with his duties including taking charge of game analysis, match review, player movement and laws of the game.

“It’s exciting for the AFL to get someone that’s so accomplished and with such great perspective,” Andrews said.

“He’s a fan of the game, so he thinks about things like that. For the AFL to get someone in that position to think about what’s going to be best for the fans as well is important.”

Brisbane Lions boss Greg Swann has been poached by the AFL. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Having arrived at the Lions in the same year as Swann, Andrews has seen everything that the veteran administrator has done to help turn the club into an AFL powerhouse on and off the field.

“We’re obviously sad to lose him … he’s been a real rock for us as a club,” Andrews said.

“He’s overseen some unbelievable projects. Where we’re standing right now probably doesn’t happen if he’s not there.

“He’s just brought so much to us as a club and someone that you know you can have a good laugh with.

“He comes down to the footy department area and always brings a bit of energy, so he’ll be heavily missed.”

However, Andrews was also excited about what Swann’s replacement at the Lions, Sam Graham, would bring to the club’s chief executive role.

The younger brother of former Geelong star Ben Graham, Sam has been at the Lions for more than 18 months in the job of chief operating officer.

Before that, his roles included AFL NSW/ACT chief executive, general manager of Tasmania’s taskforce and industry engagement and a job in strategy in the AFL’s executive team.

Lions co-captain Harris Andrews has hailed the job Greg Swann has done as the Brisbane club’s chief executive. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“I’m really excited for Sam and the opportunity that’s come up,” Andrews said.

“He’s a great guy. He’s made a real impact since he has come to the footy club and someone that is a really familiar face.

“It’s a very exciting time.”

The second-placed Lions will chase their 10th win of the season on Friday night when they travel to Adelaide Oval to meet the Adelaide Crows.

The Crows have also started the season strongly, sitting in third place with eight wins from 12 matches.

“It’s a great challenge … something that I’m really looking forward to. We’re coming up against a really quality opposition team on their home deck,” Andrews said.

“We as a team have done a really great job on the road this year and put some good performances out there.

“We’ll get some good feedback about where we’re at.”

Originally published as Brisbane Lions co-captain Harris Andrews says AFL will be better with the addition of Greg Swann