SYDNEY'S head of football Tom Harley will become the club's chief executive at the end of 2018.

Harley, Geelong's premiership captain in 2007 and 2009, will replace long-time Swans boss Andrew Ireland - who has confirmed his intention to retire.

It rules Harley out of the running for the vacant AFL football operations role.

The Swans say they've made the succession plan public so they can begin a process of selecting a new head of football.

Harley is following a familiar path to his soon-to-be predecessor. Ireland was football boss from 2002 before becoming chief executive in 2009.

"When you’re involved in the AFL in Sydney you see it through a totally different lens and the Swans have reaffirmed my passion for the game, so it's a real privilege and an honour to take this opportunity," Harley said in a statement.

"I've had a wonderful time at this club, it’s a great club, but there does come a time when you need to step aside,” Ireland said.

“At the end of next year, I would have been here for 17 years, so I think it’s the right time for me and the Sydney Swans," 

 "I'm rapt that Tom will be my replacement as I'm certain he has all the attributes to be a strong CEO for the Sydney Swans – he’s a great leader and culturally a terrific fit for the club."