AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon today paid tribute to retiring Swans coach John Longmire, saying he had brought the club its longest period of sustained excellence in its 150-year history across South Melbourne and Sydney.

Longmire announced today that he would step down from the role, having led the Swans since 2011 and guiding them to the 2012 premiership, as well as Grand Finals in 2014, 2016, 2022, and earlier this year in 2024.

Longmire is the longest-serving coach in club history and has also led the club in the most finals campaigns in its history, making the Swans a respected foe across the national competition, as they consistently contended for finals honours.

"Our competition challenges clubs to be able to maintain success and high standards and John, with the support of the administration led by Andrew Pridham and Tom Harley, has made Sydney one of the beacons of our league," Mr Dillon said.
 
"Sydney, across the tenure of John's leadership, has always been a club that competes hard, is incredibly difficult to beat, will regularly push deep into finals, and has built an extraordinary level of support from its members and fans not only in New South Wales, but at its former traditional base in South Melbourne and across the country.
 
"John has developed young players under his stewardship, guided some of the greatest stars in our game to achieve outstanding feats, but always produced a team that has been welded as a tight unit and made the club proud of its efforts.
 
"John has led the club to the most finals' appearances of any coach in club history and it is a tremendous feat to have reached five grand finals across his time as coach, when our competition's rules are designed for all teams to try and find success at some point. In addition, John has also led the way off the field in New South Wales to welcoming fans and bringing them closer to the club.
 
"John has made a massive impact on our game on and off the field and we wish him every enjoyment in his next role in the game and thank him for his stellar contribution since his playing days as a premiership player with North Melbourne," Mr Dillon said.

John Longmire's achievements:

• 200 games for North Melbourne (1988–99)
• 1999 premiership
• 1990 Coleman Medal
• 1990 Club Best and Fairest
• Four-time Club Leading Goal-kicker (1990, 1991, 1992 and 1994)
   
• 333 games coached for Sydney Swans (2011–24) (club record)
• 208 wins, 122 losses, 3 draws
• 2012 Premiership Coach
• 2012, 2014 AFLCA Coach of the Year