AFL NSW/ACT recognise Roos

AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley said that Roos’ influence had been invaluable to the growth of AFL in Sydney.

“Paul has made a tremendous contribution to the football landscape here in Sydney across all facets of the game,” Harley said.

“The AFL in Sydney would not have experienced the same growth without his efforts, and for him to stay on and help develop talented players for the next generation of AFL players is a reflection of his commitment to the game on a broader scale.”

Roos has had long and distinguished career at the Sydney Swans dating back to his first game as a player in 1995, and continuing as an assistant coach, senior coach and up until this year, head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

His greatest achievement as senior coach was the 2005 AFL Premiership, which ended a 72-year drought for the Club.

Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland thanked Roos for his tireless work. 

“Paul is a very experienced, talented and successful senior coach and it comes as no surprise that opposition Clubs would seek him out,” he said.  

“He helped deliver the Swans and its many members and fans a drought breaking premiership in 2005 and in more recent times, has been pivotal in the establishment of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

“While Paul has made a wonderful contribution to this Club, his impact also extends to the development of AFL football in New South Wales through his involvement in the Swans Academy. 

“We wish him well in his new role,” Ireland said. 

Swans Chairman Richard Colless paid tribute to Roos for his near 20-year contribution to the Club.

“On behalf of everyone associated with the Sydney Swans we wish Paul and his family well,” he said.

“I’ve consistently conveyed the view that Paul is one of the most influential people in the history of our Club.

“He has got extraordinary leadership qualities and like most of the great coaches, he had the ability to focus on the here and now, but always balanced that with a firm view to the future and best interests of the Club.

“It was a pleasure and honour to work with him for nearly 20 years,” Colless said.

PAUL ROOS AT THE SYDNEY SWANS

87 matches as player (1995-1998). Grand Final 1996.
Assistant Coach (2001- R12, 2002)
Caretaker Coach (R13-R22, 2002)
Senior Coach (2002-2010). Premiership 2005. Grand Final 2006. Finals series 2003, 2008, 2010.
QBE Sydney Swans Academy Coach (2011-2013)