The Sydney Swans will have two new AFL Life Members inducted at the 2006 Annual General Meeting for their services to Australian Football after having their award confirmed by the AFL Commission on Friday.
Paul Williams qualified automatically during the 2005 AFL season by reaching 300 games of service, while the Commission also recognised the Swans Football General Manager - and former Brisbane chief executive and Collingwood player - Andrew Ireland for his outstanding service to the game.
Ireland - the man credited with turning around the fortunes of the Lions and Swans from the "laughing stock of the competition" to premiers - admits to being blessed with the honour.
"I heard back in December when (AFL Chief Executive Officer) Andrew Demetriou rang me after the Commission had made their decision," Ireland told sydneyswans.com.au.
"I was really humbled as it wasn't anything that I expected. Apparently Brisbane had proposed me and Sydney seconded it but I wasn't aware of it.
"So when Andrew told me I was really shocked and obviously really pleased about it.
"I have been very fortunate to work in an industry, including my playing days, for 30 years in a sport I love being involved in and not many people get that opportunity."
The hard-working half back played in the Magpies 1977 grand final tie and replay, and the 1979 and 1980 runner-up side, before helping the code prospect interstate.
"I loved playing as a youngster and enjoyed playing with Collingwood, and whilst I was playing with them I had the opportunity to work as a development officer.
"I went to Queensland a few times to help promote the game there and it ended up being the catalyst for me going there.
"I am really pleased to have been involved in the emergence of the Brisbane Bears/Brisbane Lions because in the early days when I first got there as CEO they were still based at Carrara (Gold Coast).
"It had always been my view that the team needed to be based in Brisbane so there was a real challenge and enjoyment in being involved in the move from Carrara back to Brisbane, and the development of the club.
"From a team that was really struggling and probably with Sydney back in the early 1990's almost a bit of a laughing stock of the competition.
"To see them win a premiership was really pleasing, then having the opportunity to be involved with Sydney, the other developing state, and be involved in Sydney's first premiership and obviously the 70 years for South Melbourne was a really special last year.
"I have been fortunate to be involved with two teams that have got to that stage in what would be seen as tough markets."
The presentations will be made at the Season Launch in March.
Fellow inductees include current Melbourne coach and former Essendon captain Neale Daniher, Western Bulldogs pair Rohan Smith and Scott West, Adelaide's Mark Ricciuto, the Kangaroos' Glenn Archer and Geelong's Peter Riccardi (all in the 300 club) along with 1967 Brownlow Medallist and former head of AFL Game Development, Dr Ross Smith, former Richmond and West Coast player and long-time West Coast coaching staff member Robert Wiley.
Paul Williams (Collingwood, 1991-2000 and Sydney, 2001 - current)
189 games Collingwood
105 game Sydney
7 pre-season games Collingwood
7 pre-season games Sydney
2 State of Origin games Tasmania
2 State of Origin games Allies
2005 Premiership
2001, 2002 Best and Fairest
2003 All Australian
Outstanding Service
Andrew Ireland
110 games Collingwood, 1975-80
Brisbane Lions -- CEO, 1990 - 2001
Sydney Swans -- General Manager, Football, 2002 - current
