Tom Harley is a proud Newington dad and is one of Australia's leading sports administrators. He also is the Sydney Swans Chief Executive Officer and in October will become the inaugural Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Football League (AFL).
First drafted to Port Adelaide but best known for his decorated career with Geelong, Tom is a veteran of 198 AFL games. As captain of Geelong, Tom led the team to three successive grand finals and two premierships, in 2007 and 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University and he moved to Sydney to be with his wife, Felicity, and from then has held numerous roles within the football industry.
Prior to joining the Sydney Swans in November 2014 as General Manager – Football, Tom worked as an expert analyst on Channel Seven’s AFL coverage and as General Manager – AFL NSW/ACT. Tom served as Sydney Swans Chief Executive Officer from 2019 until 2025.
Driven by old school values, Tom is motivated and energised by working with teams that share a common purpose and cause. Tom kindly offered access to Sydney Swans HQ for valued Members of The 1863 Circle and their guests, in an open conversation, over some light refreshments, and the event included a tour of Sydney Swans HQ.
Sydney Swans are not only a football team, they are on the pathway towards the highest performing sports club in Australia. Each and every day, they enrich the lives of their members, their followers, their athletes, their staff, and the wider community.; according to Tom Harley.
Driven by values that are focused on understanding others, being courageous and bold, focused and precise, yet a clear sense of humility, Tom shared with the audience on how the Swans, in a relatively short period of time, have engaged its supporters, grown its membership base, and built financial stability into its daily operations.
For Tom, building the essence of belonging within Sydney Swans has been integral to its success - whether its the Swans working within wider community, the club in its goal to win premierships, every Swans AFL and WAFL team, or each player, official, member, sponsor, or supporter.
Many metaphors were shared with the Newington College community as Tom took questions from parents, Old Newingtonians, staff, and friends of the College.
The Newington Foundation is extremely grateful to Tom and Sydney Swans for providing members and guests of The 1863 Circle this amazing opportunity; and wishes Tom, Felicity, and family the very best for their future in Melbourne.
