MICHAEL O'Loughlin has resigned as coach of the Sydney Swans academy to pursue business interests.

One of the Swans' greats, O'Loughlin kicked 521 goals in 303 games in a decorated career.

The AFL Hall of Fame member has been head coach of the academy for more than two years, but will continue to assist on a casual basis.

"I’ll always be involved with the Swans, I love this place and I’ll continue to be involved in the academy in some capacity," O’Loughlin said. 



"What we’ve been able to contribute to the landscape in NSW – we’re up to 580 kids and over 70 coaches – compared to when I got here in 1994, is just staggering."

Former Swan Jared Crouch will be his replacement. Crouch played 223 games with the Swans, including the historic 2005 premiership.

Established in 2010, the academy has been fruitful – the Swans have already drafted young guns Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills through the system.

Mills was selected at No.3 in last year's NAB AFL Draft and made an outstanding NAB Challenge debut against Port Adelaide last Saturday.