In the landscape of AFL history, Paul Roos' journey from revered player to celebrated coach is legendary, but the path to his iconic status at the Sydney Swans took an unexpected turn with a single phone call.
As Roos recently shared on the Sacked podcast, a pivotal moment in his coaching career came from a surprising source—a journalist's question that led him to a role that would forever shape the Sydney Swans and influence the AFL as a whole.
Reflecting on the Swans' turbulent 2002 season, Roos recalled the initial uncertainty surrounding the senior coaching position after Rodney Eade's departure. The Swans' board had reportedly eyed Terry Wallace, then under contract with the Western Bulldogs, as Eade's replacement.
Roos, serving as the Swans' caretaker coach, hadn't even considered vying for the permanent role until a call from former player-turned-media figure Neil Cordy changed everything.
“I remember Neil Cordy rang me and said: ‘Roosy, when are you presenting to the board (for the coaching job)?'” Roos explained.
“I said, ‘Mate, I've got no idea!' He said, ‘I think you better ask.'”
This offhand remark spurred Roos to reach out to Swans CEO Andrew Ireland, setting up the interview that would ultimately lead to his appointment as head coach.
Roos believed the board might have been quietly hoping he would never formally apply, thereby clearing the path for Wallace.
“Thankfully, Cords found out, and I was able to put my presentation together,” he said.
The ensuing fan-driven "Choose Roos" campaign underscored the grassroots support behind him, and it wasn't just the fans rallying around Roos; Swans players also threw their support behind the caretaker coach, cementing his appointment and setting the stage for the culture shift known as the "Bloods" culture.
The impact of Roos' tenure would be transformative. Leading the Swans to their first premiership in 72 years in 2005, Roos redefined the club's approach and embodied the values that still characterise the Sydney Swans today.
His heartfelt exclamation, “Here it is!” upon winning the premiership remains an indelible part of AFL folklore, marking not only a triumph for the Swans but also a career-defining moment for Roos himself.
Reflecting on the significance of that phone call from Cordy, Roos mused about the delicate balance of fate and timing.
“I've always had a good relationship with Richard (Colless, Swans chairman),” Roos said.
"The ‘Choose Roos' campaign was a turning point for the club."
What started with a journalist's curiosity ultimately changed AFL history, embedding Paul Roos as one of the league's most respected figures and a symbol of resilience and integrity for the Sydney Swans.