The AFL today paid tribute to the long and distinguished service of Sydney Swans Chairman Richard Colless following his announcement that he will not seek re-election to the position following the conclusion of his current term in February next year.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou said that Mr Colless had made a significant contribution to not only the Sydney Swans but to Australian football over many years.

“As the longest serving Chairman in the AFL competition, Richard has overseen the establishment of the Swans as one of the competition’s most highly regarded clubs, both on and off the field,” Mr Demetriou said.

“In terms of members, revenue, attendances per game and national TV audiences, the Swans are now the single largest professional sporting club in Sydney.

“And last year of course, the team celebrated the 30th anniversary of the club’s move to Sydney with its second Premiership Flag in seven years – its fourth Grand Final appearance since 1996 and the 14th time in 17 seasons that the Swans have reached the finals.”

Mr Demetriou said that Mr Colless’ influence across the AFL competition had extended well beyond the Sydney Swans.

“Richard previously served as the inaugural Chairman of the West Coast Eagles and he has also been Chairman of the AFL/NSW Commission, overseeing the expansion and development of Australian football in New South Wales,” Mr Demetriou said.

“He has also contributed to the thought leadership of our game as we have sought to position the AFL for future growth and success, and was fittingly awarded the Order of Australia in 2006 for his services to football.

“On behalf of the AFL Commission and everyone in the game, I wish Richard all the best for his remaining time as Swans Chairman and look forward to saluting his contribution to Australian football when he retires from the role.”

Former Sydney Swans captain and club legend Paul Kelly said the arrival of Colless in 1993 marked the turning point for the club.

Kelly, who presented Colless with a special plaque to mark his 20 years of service to the Swans at this year’s Guernsey Presentation dinner, said Colless guided the club through its toughest times.

“I was captain at the time and I think we finished on the bottom of the ladder and the club was probably at its lowest point,” Kelly told sydneyswans.com.au on Thursday afternoon.

“We didn’t really have too many members and didn’t really have too many sponsors and were sort of at a low point.

“Where we were in those days we really didn’t have a good set up off field and it wasn’t until blokes like Richard came along that things started to turn around.

“Richard was there for the good and the bad times and has certainly steered the ship through some good times and some great times and personally I’ve had some good times with him over the years.”

Kelly added that the decision to step down could not have come at a better time for the Chairman, who has seen the club play in four Grand Finals and win two premierships during his tenure.

“I think it’s probably perfect timing really and it’s probably not unlike a player who has played in a premiership,” Kelly said.

“He’s stepping down at a point when the footy club is in a great place and he’s leaving it in a much better way than he found it.

“When he first arrived the Swans weren’t really part of Sydney, but they certainly are now and are well and truly established and that will be his legacy.”