After more than two years as head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Michael O’Loughlin has stepped down from the role in order to pursue business opportunities.
O’Loughlin has played an integral role in the development of the game during his time with the Academy, overseeing tremendous growth and success.
Over 580 boys and 75 coaches are now involved with the Academy across New South Wales with the last two drafts alone producing two first-round draft picks from alternate sports and a further three recruits.
While O’Loughlin will be stepping down from the head coaching role, the AFL Hall of Fame member and Sydney Swans champion will continue to work with the Academy on a casual basis.
“I’ll always be involved with the Swans, I love this place and I’ll continue to be involved in the Academy in some capacity,” O’Loughlin said.
“While it was a hard decision to make I’m very proud of where we’re at as an Academy and what we’ve been able to produce.
“What we’ve been able to contribute to the landscape in NSW – we’re up to 580 kids and over 70 coaches – compared to when I got here in 1994 is just staggering.
“I’m really proud of seeing the kids kicking footballs in schools telling their mates about it and I think the diversity is amazing – we’ve got players from all sports and backgrounds trying out for the Academy.
“I’m also really proud of some of the players we’ve been able to produce, not only at AFL level but going on to other state leagues, to be able to contribute to that landscape has been unbelievable.”
Replacing O’Loughlin as head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy will be his former teammate, Jared Crouch.
Crouch, who played 223 games with the Swans, will make a seamless transition into the role after moving over to the Academy as Coaching Director at the end of last season.
Before that, Crouch helped develop the Swans’ next generation as the club’s NEAFL coach.
Crouch said he’s looking forward to the new role and taking his passion for growing the game across NSW to a new level.
“It’s exciting times, I do enjoy developing young players and this is an opportunity to share with them what I’ve learned over the years,” Crouch said.
“I’m looking forward to the year ahead and working with the other Academy coaches and staff to provide opportunities for kids in NSW to play AFL and to come through the Academy pathway.
“Kids in NSW now have that clear pathway and through hard work and dedication they have the chance to follow in the footsteps of a number of Academy players before them who are now playing in the AFL.”
Swans Chief Executive and Managing Director Andrew Ireland wished to thank O’Loughlin for his contribution to the Academy and congratulated Crouch on his appointment.
“Michael’s impact across 22 years as a player and more recently as head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy has been extraordinary,” Ireland said.
“Michael has always been passionate about the game in NSW and he has done a tremendous job coaching the Academy and inspiring the next generation of local talent to play AFL.
“While Michael will be missed we’re fortunate he is going to continue on with the Academy in some capacity.
“It is also a great opportunity for Jared to take over from Michael as head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.
“Jared’s passionate about the game and developing young talent and is the perfect person to take on the head coaching role.”
