The Sydney Swans today congratulated Paul Roos on his appointment as senior coach of the Melbourne Football Club.

Roos has had a long and distinguished career at the Sydney Swans dating back to his first game as a player in 1995, and continuing as an assistant coach, senior coach and up until this year, head coach of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

His greatest achievement as senior coach was the 2005 AFL Premiership, which ended a 72-year drought for the club.

Swans Chairman Richard Colless paid tribute to Roos for his near 20-year contribution to the club.

“On behalf of everyone associated with the Swans we wish Paul and his family well,” Colless said.

“I’ve consistently conveyed the view that Paul is one of the most influential people in the history of our club.

“He has got extraordinary leadership qualities, and like most of the great coaches, he had the ability to focus on the here and now, but always balanced that with a firm view to the future and best interests of the club.

“It was a pleasure and honour to work with him for nearly 20 years.”

Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland added his thanks to Roos.
"Paul is an experienced, talented and successful senior coach and it comes as no surprise that opposition clubs would seek him out," Ireland said.  

“He helped deliver the Swans and its many members and fans a drought-breaking premiership in 2005 and in more recent times, has been pivotal in the establishment of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

“While Paul has made a wonderful contribution to this club, his impact extends to the development of AFL football in New South Wales through his involvement in the Swans Academy.
"We wish him well in his new role.”

PAUL ROOS AT THE SYDNEY SWANS
87 matches as player (1995-1998). Grand Final 1996.
Assistant Coach (2001- R12, 2002)
Caretaker Coach (R13-R22, 2002)
Senior Coach (2002-2010). Premiership 2005. Grand Final 2006. Finals series 2003-2008, 2010.
QBE Sydney Swans Academy Coach (2011-2013)