MALTHOUSE: Why new AFL execs will benefit West Coast & Freo
The rejig made in the AFL House this week will be hugely beneficial for both West Coast and Fremantle, writes The West Australian columnist Mick Malthouse.
thewest.com.auHere’s the latest widely reported update I can confirm:
-
Greg Swann joined the AFL’s executive leadership as Executive General Manager Football Performance in 2025, tasked with on-field football product, laws, and performance areas. He was announced by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and was set to start after leaving Brisbane Lions. This marks a transition from club leadership to the league’s head office. [sources included in results show AFL announcement and reporting on the move][1][2]
-
In 2026, Swann was active in public remarks as AFL’s football performance chief, including media appearances discussing on-field decisions and ARC calls. This indicates he has continued in the role and remains a prominent voice in AFL football governance.[3]
-
Prior to joining the AFL, Swann had a long leadership career at Collingwood, Carlton, and Brisbane Lions, including steering Brisbane to AFL Premierships and guiding expansion efforts. This background supports expectations that he would focus on improving game performance, umpiring, and rule-related processes at the league level.[4][5]
If you’d like, I can pull exact quotes from the AFL announcements and summarize his key responsibilities and the reception from clubs and fans. I can also check for any subsequent developments in 2026 or 2027 and provide a concise timeline.