Greg Swann to leave Brisbane Lions to job with AFL as head of football performance

One of key men behind Brisbane’s resurgence is leaving the Lions to work in a crucial role for the AFL.

Departing Lions chief executive officer Greg Swann is proud to be leaving Brisbane as a club that fans “want to support” and footballers “want to play for”.

Swann will return to Melbourne next month after 11 years in charge of the Lions to start a new job with the AFL.

Swann has been appointed the AFL’s head of football performance, with his duties including taking charge of game analysis, match review, player movement and laws of the game.

Despite being “ready for next career challenge”, 63-year-old Swann – previously a chief executive at Collingwood and Carlton – said he was also “sad” to be leaving the Lions.

“When I started (in July 2014), there were some challenging times, but the Lions are now a club fans want to support, and importantly we’re a club players want to play for,” he said.

“Claiming the two AFLW flags (2021, 2023) and the 2024 AFL premiership are the highlights, but across the board, the club is now in a really strong position on and off the field.

“We’ll soon be debt free, membership is at record levels, we have a great list across both the men’s and women’s teams, our base at Brighton Homes Arena is one of the best in the Australian sport, and we have certainty and clarity moving forward with the new Victoria Park stadium.

“It is the efforts of a wide range of committed and connected people who have managed to turn this club around and shape the club we have become.”

Greg Swann (right) and Brisbane coach Chris Fagan celebrate after the Lions’ win in last season’s AFL grand final. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lions chairman Andrew Wellington said Swann’s “steady hand and experience” had been “crucial” to Brisbane’s “renewed success”.

“He’s been a terrific leader during some challenging times, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him as a colleague and friend,” Wellington said.

“We wish Greg all the best with the AFL and know he will make the same positive impact on the code that he has at the Lions.”

Current Lions chief operating officer Sam Graham will replace Swann in the top job.

“Sam has been our chief operating officer for more than 18 months now. In that time, he has demonstrated his strong capabilities and built strong relationships within the club and with our key stakeholders,” Wellington said.

“I am confident he will hit the ground running.”