The Sydney Swans football department will see several personnel changes as the club embarks on preparations for season 2024.

After five seasons in Sydney, Executive General Manager of Football – AFL, Charlie Gardiner, is returning to Melbourne with family and will therefore step away from leading the men’s program. However, Gardiner will remain with the club in a role based out of Melbourne focused on legal compliance and commercial projects.  

The club is pleased to announce Leon Cameron will transition into the role of Executive General Manager Football – AFL, after spending the past 12 months the Technical Director of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley has thanked Gardiner for his contribution in one of the club’s most important roles. 

“Charlie’s impact on the performance of our men’s team, and the club more broadly, has been profound,” Harley said. 

“His leadership, commitment and resolve helped reshape the department through the COVID period and, along with John Longmire, has overseen our men’s team’s three successive finals appearances.

“We’re thrilled that Charlie will remain with the club and wish him, his wife Melissa and their family all the very best for the move back to Melbourne.”

Leon Cameron brings a wealth of experience to his new role at the helm of the men’s football department, including 193 games as the senior coach at GWS where he guided the club to the finals five times. Harley said being able to transition someone like Cameron into the role is a testament to the talent the Swans are fortunate to have across all areas of the club.

“Leon’s experience across all aspects of the game is unmatched and we are fortunate to have someone of Leon’s character and skillset transition into the role,” Harley said. 

“Having been at the club for the past 12 months, Leon has forged strong relationships across the entire club, and I am certain that he will continue positively impact our organisational performance.

“I am excited about what the men’s team can achieve in season 2024.”

Meanwhile Head Coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Mark McVeigh, will step into an assistant coach role with the AFL team. 

McVeigh brings valuable experience from a 232-game playing career with Essendon, as well as several years as an assistant coach and later interim senior coach at GWS. This year McVeigh coached the Allies in the National Championships to their first ever National title.

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