Former Sydney Swan and AIS/AFL Head Coach Michael O’Loughlin has become a member of a highly distinguished group of athletes following his induction into the NSW Hall of Champions at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

O’Loughlin was inducted alongside Layne Beachley (Surfing), Brad McGee OAM (Cycling), Rex Johnston OAM (Lawn Bowls), and Andrew Johns (Rugby League).

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, in announcing the inductees said, “It’s my privilege to honour these five outstanding sports people who thoroughly deserve their place amongst the nation's best.

“These athletes have excelled in competition but more importantly continue to be great ambassadors for our State, country and the sport they represent.

“Today’s honourees will be joining other great Australian sporting legends like Dawn Fraser, Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Jack Brabham, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley and the legendary Dally Messenger,” Mr Annesley said. 

The NSW Hall of Champions was established in 1978 and honours sports people dating back to 1876, with 336 athletes representing 50 different sports recognized in this prestigious hall of champions.

David Matthews, AFL General Manager, National and International Development said it was great recognition for Michael O’Loughlin, the brilliant forward who played 303 games for the Swans before retiring in 2009.

“It is fitting recognition of Michael’s contribution and more broadly the impact the Sydney Swans have had over time,’’ Matthews said.

“Michael was an outstanding player and is developing as a tremendous coach and mentor.  He has come from an outstanding environment at the Swans.” 

The Sydney Swans' AFL games club record-holder was appointed in 2010 as the AFL high performance coach of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Academy. In 2009 he established The Goodes-O'Loughlin Foundation with Sydney Swans co-captain Adam Goodes which aims to help Indigenous Australians set and achieve life goals.