The Sydney Swans are pleased to announce to the appointment of Josh Francou to the role of Football Development Manager.

Francou comes to the Club after a distinguished AFL career with Port Adelaide where he played 156 matches between 1997-2006. He won All-Australian honours in 2002 and twice finished top-three in the Brownlow Medal count.

Francou is currently the senior coach of North Adelaide Football Club in the SANFL – a role he has held since 2011 - and is preparing for an elimination final on Sunday.

Sydney Swans senior coach John Longmire said Francou would be a great addition to the football department.  

“Josh comes from a highly successful program as a player at Port Adelaide and we are really pleased to secure him as part of our development team,” Longmire said.

“He brings with him experience as a senior coach with North Adelaide, but also as a qualified and practising school teacher, which we think will be very beneficial to the role."  

Francou said he was excited by the opportunity with the Swans.

"I'm really pleased to return to the AFL club environment, particularly at a successful club like the Swans," Francou said.

"It is a fantastic challenge ahead and I look forward to working together with the playing group and other development coaches."