Chairman Colless to stand down

[RUNVS]

Sydney Swans Chairman Richard Colless today informed the Club’s Board of Directors that he would not seek re-election beyond his current term, which concludes in February 2014.

Colless is currently the longest serving Chairman in the AFL competition, having been at the helm of the Swans since May, 1993.

Under Colless’ leadership the Club has grown to become one of the AFL’s most respected and successful, both on and off the field.

Colless told fellow Directors this morning that he wished to indicate his intentions well in advance of February 2014, to allow a smooth transition to a new Club Chairman.

“There is no particular reason for this decision other than the old adage that it is probably ‘about time’,’’ he said.

“I want to place on record how indebted I am for the support of the hundreds, but probably thousands of people, over the last 20 years. It has been truly remarkable.

“This support has ranged from my wife and children, to Board colleagues, senior management staff including volunteers, coaches, players, support staff, sponsors, members, supporters, the AFL, media, stadium managers and numerous other categories.

“It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be associated with this extraordinary organisation,” he said.

Sydney Swans Chief Executive, Andrew Ireland paid tribute to Colless.

“Richard’s contribution to the Club, spanning 20 years, has been quite remarkable,” he said.

“He has shown a unique ability to understand how a membership based club playing in Australia’s premier sporting competition, in the nation’s most competitive sporting market, best operates.

“Above all else, he has an unwavering passion for the Club, the game and its history,” Ireland said.

Colless’ passion for the Club and reverence for its history was a driving force behind the introduction of the Swans Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2011, the Swans Heritage List was also created to honour items and moments of significance in the Club’s history.

Prior to joining the Sydney Swans Board, Colless was the inaugural Chairman of the West Coast Eagles and during his time at the Swans, he also held the position of Chairman of the AFL/NSW Commission, which oversaw significant increases in the development of Australian football across New South Wales.

In 2006, Colless’ efforts for the Sydney Swans and the code in general, were recognised when he was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to Australian Football.

Colless' more than 20 year tenure as Chairman will formally conclude at the Annual General Meeting to be held in February 2014.

http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/2013-05-02/chairman-colless-to-stand-down

What are everyone's thoughts here? I personally think it is a pity as the guy definitely seemed to know what he was doing.

 

[MF]

Have a look at where our club was when he took over, and look where we are now. He will be missed.

Definitely the most underrated person at our club.

 

[J_Moore]

What a legend.

 

[S120]

As Malfan says, a supremely underrated man when it comes to public recognition of those who have dragged this club to where it is now.

Proved to be a strong, resilient and intensely loyal leader. We all owe him a lot of gratitude for what he's done for our club. Good luck to whoever has to follow him.

 

[The King!]

A great football man, will be hard to replace, he stood up for this club, he was a bit part in it surviving and thriving

 

[grimlock]

He'll be sorely missed. I propose a statue of him be erected at the SCG, with Colless adopting the classic 'bird' sign in reference to one Eddie McGuire.

 

[Jack Lord]

You rarely think about the importance of a bloke like Colless until he decides to call it a day. His replacement must aim to continue the culture that Colless has helped to create.

 

[Bonz]

This is the biggest loss we have faced in the last 10 years, Forget about Paul Roo's, Brett Kirk, MOL, Barry Hall, Leo Barry or Ross Lyon.

This could be the loss that hurts us the most both on and off the field the procedures and culture he has created at this great club is nothing short of remarkable.

 

[Thuggee_Cult]

You rarely think about the importance of a bloke like Colless until he decides to call it a day. His replacement must aim to continue the culture that Colless has helped to create.

So true.

Cast your minds back 20 years ago to the early 1990's and think of our standing in the AFL. If people thought that right now, Melbourne are a basket case on and off the field they clearly aren't old enough to remember the position our club was in as we were in a far worse predicament. Where we have pulled ourselves out of and the space we are now in has a lot to do with the tireless work Richard has done.

Thanks for all of your years of service to our club Richard, I hope it will never be forgotten.

 

[alanlau34]

Will be a massive loss to the club. However, I have confidence that he will leave a legacy and succession plan that will minimise his departure, as all great leaders do.

 

[SBD Gonzalez]

I don't know what it takes to chair a successful footy club, but clearly Richard has it, in spades. No fluke his term has coincided with what a great club we've become.

Daresay Eddie McGuire could learn a thing or two from Colless, but I'm not sure he's open to fresh ideas.

 

[GotTheGoodes]

Richard Colless should be seen in the same light as our other great champions. I regard his leadership, vision and determination as a vital aspect of our recent success. He took us from 1 win in 1993 to a GF in 1996 then through consistent finals appearances & 2 more premierships to today. His worth to our club is amazing. He has provided us with a solid base for success and I have no doubt at all that he is one of the main factors I am (along with many others) a loyal member of our club today (along with a record number of about 29999 other people this year).

I don't & haven't underrated his importance to our club and hope he is provided all the rewards & accolades befitting his legend status at our great club.

Congratulations Richard & thank you (hopefully you've still got 1 more premiership to go mate!)

 

[SM]

The great thing is that like Roos, Colless has announced his intentions early to smooth the transition. I think this is a cornerstone of how our club goes about it. No one is pushed, no one leaves abruptly, and everyone has a genuine passion and love for the club, and wants to do the absolute best by it. I have no doubt that between now and February 2014 we will find a replacement if not of the same calibre as Colless, then at least one who can be adequately prepared for the role when the time comes to take it on.

Colless, as others have said, is one of the most underrated blokes in footy, not only for what he did for us, but also for the way he successfully guided the Eagles into the competition. Over his 20 years with us, the club has utterly transformed, and it's a scary thought as to what we would have been without him. You can look at the players, and then argue that it was coaching master-strokes that brought in particular players, but then you need to consider that it was the master-strokes of Colless to bring in particular coaches. Barrassi. Eade. Roos. Longmire. All have a hugely significant place in our transformation, and not one of them was a mistake, that we look back on and regret. I think that speaks volumes to his astute judgement of the market and what was required to succeed.

 

[bedford]

One of the most honest and best person that I have met in footy of any level, a decent person who has transformed this club into an AFL powerhouse.
He will be a massive loss

 

[bloodsbigot]

Surely the best AFL Club President. Possibly of all time. His achievements are truly remarkable. I'm not sure whether it will be the same club with him gone. Hopefully Andrew Ireland will be just as good.

He was there when Barrassi was coaching. He was there when Kelly and Lockett were playing in the 1996 Grand Final. He was there when Roos was appointed coach. He was there when we got the 2005 and 2012 flags. He's worked at the club longer than anyone. Will be sadly missed.

I'm just glad we have people like Ireland, Roos and Longmire around still.

 

[bedford]

I would think one of the Andrews, Pridham and McMaster might fill the role as they both have been close to Richard for many years

 

[bedford]

I wish we did have the 11 flag

 

[bloodsbigot]

I wish we did have the 11 flag

lol. Edited.

 

[Sydney Bloods]

Sad to see him go as other's have said he was their amid the strife when we had players jumping ship considered a laughing stock.

He saw us rise to a finals campaign then drop off again.
And then once again the club rose up consist finals and ultimate glory.

A bloke that dragged us out of the gutter gave good solid leadership at the top and was rewarded with the same loyalty he showed us.

Here's hoping that although his tenure as chairmen is coming to an end he continues to play a role at the club.

Great man worthy of respect.

 

[Danair]

The Tippett apocalypse has begun!

 

[baja]

Maybe he read Wolfgang West comment about him getting off his fat arse and getting us a better Melbourne fixture?

 

[Blood Bath]

Legend....

 

[Sanecow]

Never met him and the main image I have of him is flipping the bird but his tenure coincided with Club Swans and he will be forever remembered for that plan.

 

[Tedeski]

He will go down as a non playing legend of the club responsible for the success we have enjoyed ever since he has been at the helm.
Always happy to have a chat.

 

[Heeney2Franklin]

You just have to look at the state the club was in the early 90's since he came aboard his impact transforming us from a rabble to a club of respect and stability has been immeasurable.

"For Eddie to say in the Carlton-Adelaide match after Taylor Walker went down it's a pity their other key forward (Kurt Tippett) isn't playing is because of the cost of living allowance is really tacky," Colless said.

What a man