FORMER Geelong skipper Tom Harley is stepping down from his position as general manager of AFL NSW/ACT.

Harley, who has held the post since 2011, has decided to make way at the end of the year to focus on his family and his commentary commitments, as well as furthering his tertiary education.

During his time at the helm, participation in football in NSW and the ACT has grown by 31 per cent to over 178,000 and the NEAFL and Independent Schools' competitions have been launched.

“The game is in great shape for future generations and, on the back of the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants, we now have an AFL game in NSW or the ACT every weekend of the season and greater opportunities for people to become involved at a community level,” Harley said.

“I am extremely proud of the team we have developed at AFL NSW/ACT and have the utmost confidence that the game will continue to grow as a result of their commitment.” 

Having won two flags with the Cats before retiring in 2009, Harley worked as a consultant for GWS before coming on board with AFL NSW/ACT, initially as a planning operations manager.

He will continue to work on selected projects for the AFL in Sydney and will retain his position on the Laws of the Game Committee, while the search will commence to determine his successor.