One of the Sydney Swans longest serving staff members has been recognised this week with the Head of QBE Sydney Swans Academy Operations, Anthony Cahill celebrating 25 years with the club.
Cahill is synonymous with our football club and over two decades has been an incredible ambassador for everything the club stands for.
His journey at the Sydney Swans began in 2000 when he joined the football program and for 18 years was instrumental in the development of the football technology department as Football IT manager.
During this time he played a transformational role in helping our club to leverage a range of technologies to deliver on-field competitive advantage and was involved in both the 2005 and 2012 Premierships.
A former teacher prior to his football days, in 2019 Cahill transitioned to the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in the role of Operations Manager start of 2019 and was appointed Head of Academy Operations at the start of 2024.
The club marked Cahill's 25th anniversary at a special presentation at Swans HQ where he was presented with a gift from the club by CEO Tom Harley.
There was also a special video presentation with contributions from many of his former colleagues who passed on their well wishes and stories of years gone by including Paul Roos, Stewart Dew, John Blakey and Brett Allison alongside current senior players Callum Mills and Isaac Heeney and current athletes from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.
After the presentation an emotional Cahill said he was overwhelmed by the recognition.
"I am truly grateful for the appreciation and recognition extended to me," he said.
"A special thank you to Tom Harley and John Longmire for their incredibly kind and humbling words about my journey over the past 25 years with the club. To say I am overwhelmed would be an understatement. I am completely surprised and deeply moved - as I’m sure is evident to all.
"I want to acknowledge how vital my family have been in allowing me to dedicate 25 years to working in an AFL club and professional sport. From the very beginning, when I first proposed the move to Sydney, Allison (wife) and Lachlan (son) - who was just five years old at the time, were incredibly supportive, patient, and loving, ensuring that family remained at the heart of everything we do. Everyone in this environment understands the demands of our game. It brings incredible excitement and joy, but it also comes with challenges and emotions that often take on a life of their own.
"Through it all, Allison and Lachlan have been unwavering. Their love, patience, and understanding have meant everything to me, and I feel it’s only right to share my deepest gratitude with all of you."
2012 Premiership Coach and long time colleague and friend of Cahill, John Longmire also spoke to the room on the impact Cahill has had on the club at the celebration event.
"You have added to this club's fabric over the last 25 years. It's quite extraordinary, an amazing achievement," Longmire said.
"You have been good at your job but most importantly also a bloody good bloke."
