Sydney Swans premiership player Ben Mathews will return to the club, joining Sydney’s assistant coaching ranks.

Mathews, a veteran of 198 games for the Swans from 1996-2008, was a member of Sydney’s 2005 premiership winning side.

Born and bred in New South Wales, Mathews was keen to return home after serving as an assistant coach for the Melbourne Football Club since September 2013.

Sydney Swans GM-Football Charlie Gardiner said he is thrilled to welcome Mathews back to the team.

“Ben is an outstanding person whose passion and energy for the club is obvious – we know he’s committed to getting the best out of the playing group,” Gardiner said. 

“He not only brings valuable experience but is a Swans person through and through, and we’re really excited to welcome him back to the Swans in a coaching role.”

The appointment finalises Sydney’s coaching panel for Season 2021, with senior coach John Longmire and assistants Dean Cox and Jarrad McVeigh joined by Mathews and fellow new coach Don Pyke. 

Jeremy Laidler will continue to work with the club’s reserves side, as well as with the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

Meanwhile former Swans captain Dennis Carroll is retiring after 40 years of service to the club as a player, coach, and administrator. Most recently, he has served as Sydney’s Executive General Manager – People.

Brett Kirk will take the reins as the club’s Head of Wellbeing and Development.