Passion. Commitment. A big heart. Humble. These are the words that spring to mind at the mention of a much-loved member of our red and white family: Dean Moore.

He’s a person who embodies our club values of respect, discipline, courage and conviction.

And he’s a man who has always rolled up the sleeves to do whatever needed to be done to make our club better.

So, it’s only fitting that a new award, akin to a best and fairest for our staff, will be known as the Dean Moore Award.

Dean was on hand when the award was announced to staff, and said he is deeply honoured.

“I love this club; it’s been a big part of my life for a very long period of time,” he said.

“In many ways it changed my life – it had a profound impact and I feel so fortunate that I have been involved with this club. It’s led me to do things I could have only dreamt about – the 2012 premiership was one of those – and it enabled me to meet the most amazing people.

“Football is relentless, it’s demanding, it tests your resolve, but it’s also fun and it’s a great honour and privilege.

“The opportunity to recognise a colleague, for not only what they’ve done but the way they’ve gone about it, is an important and powerful thing. The little one percenters, the attention to detail, and marginal gains, it all adds up and makes a difference.”

Dean served as the club’s team manager in the late 1970s and managed the logistics of South Melbourne’s move to Sydney in 1981 – no mean feat, especially in the days before the internet.

He remained with the club in its formative years in Sydney before a stint with the then VFL.

Dean returned to Sydney to replace Andrew Ireland as General Manager – Football at the end of the 2009 season, and under his leadership the Swans achieved a premiership in 2012.

After five years at the helm of the football department, Dean stepped in to lead the project management team responsible for securing the lease of the Royal Hall of Industries and the design of the new Sydney Swans HQ. He was instrumental in delivering the project, which was the club’s biggest undertaking since moving to Sydney.

To be presented annually at the Sydney Swans’ AFLW Club Champion Dinner, the Dean Moore Award is a peer nominated award that will recognise a Sydney Swans staff member who has best embodied the club’s values.

We look forward to welcoming Dean to personally present the award – and extend our heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering passion and commitment.