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QBE Sydney Swans Academy - General Manager: Dennis Carroll
Dennis is a former Sydney Swans player and Club captain who represented the Club on 219 occasions during the period 1981 - 1993. As General Manager to the Academy, Dennis will be a key driver of the program ensuring it reaches its core objectives.
QBE Sydney Swans Academy - Head Coach: Paul Roos
Paul played 269 games for Fitzroy from 1982 until 1994 kicking 270 goals, before joining Sydney and playing 87 games from 1995 until 1998. A career total of 356 games and a seven time All Australian. Paul was an assistant coach with the Swans from 2000 until taking over as senior coach midway through 2002, before handing over the reigns at the end of the 2010 season. In his time as head coach of the Swans he secured the Club’s first premiership in 72 years and is a key asset to the Academy moving forward.
QBE Sydney Swans Academy - Talent Identification and Operations Manager: Chris Smith
Born in Yarrawonga Victoria, Chris was drafted to Richmond in 1991 from Assumption College, Kilmore. Chris moved to Perth in 1994 and played with East Fremantle in the WAFL. Chris relocated to Queensland in 1998 and played with the Southport football Club. After completing a Bachelor degree in Applied Economics, Chris moved to Sydney in 2003. Chris is responsible for the talent identification and operations management of the program, which includes the talent identification, procurement and co-ordination of new talent into the Academy.
QBE Sydney Swans Academy - Skill Acquisition Coach: Ben Moore
Ben studied Human Movement as his undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham and completed his Postgraduate degree (MSc) at the University of Sydney. He is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Sydney in ‘Skill Acquisition in AFL’. Ben provides support to the players and coaches on structuring training sessions in order to maximise motor learning and decision-making opportunities. He is also the Technical Director at the Academy and is responsible for the direction, design and coordination of the player development program, incorporating skill acquisition, physical preparation and personal development.
