Pridham Won’t Seek AFL Commission Chair Role
- The AFL is undergoing a leadership revamp with the appointment of Harley, who will oversee key areas including club funding, player collective bargaining agreements, and competition structure.
- Harley's appointment coincides with Greg Swann, former Brisbane chief, being named the AFL's head of football performance.These changes follow a series of missteps in football operations, prompting a...
- According to Pridham, vice-chairman of MA Financial Group, the appointments of Harley and Swann mark a positive step toward fostering better relationships between the AFL and its clubs.
Get the latest on the AFL’s leadership shuffle. Pridham’s comments reveal the league’s strategic shift as Harley assumes a crucial role overseeing club funding and competition structure. These changes, driven by a need for improved AFL and club collaboration, also introduce Greg Swann in football performance. News Directory 3 provides the inside track on how the AFL is restructuring to address operational missteps and strengthen relationships. Discover the impact of these pivotal personnel changes and how they are designed to benefit the clubs. Find out how, in the wake of missteps, the AFL is moving forward, with a focus on supporting its clubs. The decisions underline a renewed commitment to club perspectives, with Pridham emphasizing their significance. Learn more about the appointments and what’s next.
AFL Appoints Harley in Leadership Restructure
Updated June 12, 2025
The AFL is undergoing a leadership revamp with the appointment of Harley, who will oversee key areas including club funding, player collective bargaining agreements, and competition structure. This move aims to improve relations between the head office and its clubs, addressing previous concerns about a lack of collaboration.
Harley’s appointment coincides with Greg Swann, former Brisbane chief, being named the AFL’s head of football performance.These changes follow a series of missteps in football operations, prompting a need for restructuring at the league headquarters.
According to Pridham, vice-chairman of MA Financial Group, the appointments of Harley and Swann mark a positive step toward fostering better relationships between the AFL and its clubs. He believes that these individuals bring valuable club perspectives to the AFL, which has been lacking.
“He’ll bring a very strong club viewpoint of life, which I think is really valuable for the AFL,” Pridham said.
Pridham emphasized the need for the AFL to support the clubs, enabling them to grow their fan base and the game itself. he views the clubs as the AFL’s customers, with the fans being the customers of the clubs.
Dillon initiated the leadership changes after complaints from clubs and operational missteps. As part of the restructure, Laura Kane’s role was divided, with Kane assuming the position of football operations.
What’s next
With Harley’s transition to the AFL, the Sydney Swans will begin their search for a new CEO, a position previously held by only two individuals since 2009: Andrew Ireland and Harley. The AFL has also confirmed that this year’s grand final will maintain its traditional 2:30 p.m. start time, but remains open to future adjustments.