John Longmire's key hope of next AFL boss, opens up on Buddy’s future and praises new $70m HQ

John Longmire has a request of the next AFL CEO as his Swans prepare to bounce back with a state-of-the-art headquarters.

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has one simple message for the next boss of the AFL. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Swans coach John Longmire has urged the next boss of the AFL to spend time in Sydney to understand its 'unique' sporting market.

Longmire, speaking to CODE Sports on a tour of the club’s new state-of-the-art facility that offers everything from a coffee ‘Mod Bar’ to a crèche, says the $70m centre is evidence the game has come a long way in NSW since the Swans moved north.

Longmire set a simple challenge for Gillon McLachlan’s successor.

“I’d love them to spend some time up here, as long as they can. Just to understand the local market, it is unique,” he says.

Few AFL figures understand Sydney’s sporting market – and contrast with Melbourne - as much as Longmire.

The 52-year-old lived in the Victorian capital throughout a 200-game playing career, stint as AFLPA vice-president and foray into player management that preceded his life-changing shift north.

Longmire established cross-code bonds with Sydney Roosters’ Trent Robinson and former Western Sydney Wanderers mentor Tony Popovic long ago.

The 2012 premiership coach bubbles with unbridled enthusiasm and pride about the Swans’ new home at the Royal Hall of Industries near the SCG.

Isaac Heeney inspects the Swans’ new HQ at the Royal Hall of Industries. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Asked about the new HQ’s impact for his team and club, Longmore defers to the bigger picture.

“It’s for the code too. I’d probably start with the code,” Longmire explains.

The veteran coach also opens up about the 2022 Grand Final loss to Geelong and the future for Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.

“We had a really bad day. Geelong were fantastic,” Longmire says of the 81-point GF defeat.

“It takes a bit of time to wash through your system.

“It happens. Even to the most experienced teams like Geelong, who interestingly enough got beaten by 83 points in a prelim final the year before. The key is making sure you learn from it.”

On Franklin, Longmire reveals more on Sydney’s plans for the 341-game veteran superstar.

“For any player, let alone a 36-year-old, it’s a tough challenge to be playing at the highest level. Even if you are one of the best.”

Read the full interview with CODE Sports here

Originally published as John Longmire's key hope of next AFL boss, opens up on Buddy’s future and praises new $70m HQ