Two competition sources, who chose to remain anonymous, had confirmed to this masthead on Wednesday that an announcement was expected on Thursday.
In the AFL’s statement on Thursday announcing the appointment, it said Harley would oversee AFL clubs (club funding, player collective bargaining agreement, player salary cap, football department soft cap and competition structure), AFL operations (strategic initiatives and projects such as Gather Round and Tasmania), and integrity and security.
His departure from Sydney follows the John Longmire’s exit as senior coach at the end of last season as the Swans go through a transition period after they were soundly beaten by the Brisbane Lions in last year’s grand final.
Dillon decided a revamp was needed at league headquarters after a series of missteps in football operations and a chorus of complaints from clubs. Tanya Hosch departed and footy boss Laura Kane’s job was split in half as she assumed the role of football operations. Kane remains on the executive.
The AFL first announced in early April that a chief operating officer would join the executive team.
At the time, Dillon – who became the new AFL boss in April 2023 and replaced Gillon McLachlan – said the new role would drive deeper engagement with AFL clubs.
“I have made no secret that relationships with the clubs is a key priority and this role continues to reinforce the work the executive team has already done,” Dillon said.
“If we are to remain the number one sport in the country, then we need to work hand in hand with the clubs to deliver the best possible experience for our fans, our participants, our people across the industry and our partners.”
In late May the league further outlined key structural changes, revealing that a football performance executive would join the league – the position filled by Swann – coupled with the appointment of a COO.
The AFL said Hosch would depart the administration after nine years, and general counsel Stephen Meade would no longer be part of the executive, but will continue to report into Dillon.
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In announcing the restructure on 29 May, Dillon said the football portfolio had become too big for one person to manage.
“The game is the reason we exist; it is as big and as good as it has ever been, and the AFL football department must continue to evolve,” Dillon said.
“It must be structured, resourced and led in a way that can ensure everyone – the clubs, players, coaches, umpires and officials – can continue to perform at the highest possible level.
“Laura will continue to play a major leadership role within the AFL, but the overall responsibility has grown so much that the traditional leadership role for an individual executive in footy is no longer the best model.”
With Scott Spits
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