Sydney chief executive Tom Harley will not be heading to AFL House to land a new executive role, instead electing to continue his commitment with the Swans.
Soon-to-be AFL CEO Andre Dillon is beginning to put together a new executive team, with the future senior head of football believed to be a priority as a newly extended position.
A two-time premiership captain with Geelong, Harley guided the team to flags in 2007 and 2009 and three consecutive grand final appearances before stepping into his post-career.
The 45-year-old has a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University and has worked in Sydney to be closer to family. Since then, Harley has worked in a number of positions within the football industry.
Harley held the positions of general manager of AFL NSW/ACT and expert analyst for Channel Seven's AFL coverage until joining the Sydney Swans in November 2014 as the club's general manager of football.
After serving as Sydney's General Manager of Football for four years, Harley became CEO in 2019.
Speaking to The Age, Harley spoke on the rumours about the AFL's interest in his services, playing a straight bat in response.
“It's just not for me to comment on whether approaches have been made,” Harley said.
“I understand the interest in it and the commentary around it. I'm absolutely invested in what we're doing here. I've been here for 14 years, I've got three kids. Stability and family is really important to me.”
Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham confirmed the intentions of Harley.
“He's definitely staying at Sydney,” Pridham also told the publication.
“As far as I'm aware, he's very happy at the Swans and every indication I've always had is he's staying.”
Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale is also believed to have rejected an offer from the AFL to serve in a key role under new boss Andrew Dillon in favour of remaining at the Tigers.
The Age also reports Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains and Fremantle boss Simon Garlick are also in contention for the newly extended position at league headquarters.