Jarrad McVeigh to depart Sydney Swans

After 23 years in the red and white, including co-captaining the club in the 2012 Premiership, Jarrad McVeigh is departing the Sydney Swans to pursue an opportunity overseas.

Few people have had an impact on the club like the former keeper of the No.3 guernsey. A fierce competitor known for his dash off the half-back line, McVeigh’s work ethic and leadership endeared him to Swans fans and set the tone for the club’s culture.

Growing up on the NSW Central Coast, McVeigh was recruited to the Swans with pick 5 in the 2002 AFL Draft. After making his debut in 2004, he went on to play 325 games, behind only Adam Goodes and equal with Jude Bolton as the most games in the club’s 151-year history.

In addition to the 2012 Premiership, McVeigh’s decorated playing career includes Club Champion in 2008 and 2013, serving as co-captain from 2011-2016, and being named All Australian in 2013.

After retiring at the end of the 2019, McVeigh joined the Sydney Swans coaching ranks, working as an assistant coach under John Longmire, before taking on the role of VFL Head Coach ahead of the 2025 season.

In 2024, McVeigh was inducted to the Swans Hall of Fame.

Reflecting on his time at the club, McVeigh said he leaves with an enormous sense of gratitude.

“It has been an incredible journey with the Sydney Swans, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here,” McVeigh said.

“Football clubs are about people and relationships, and I have been so fortunate to have worked with incredible people over the journey, from my teammates to the players I now coach, our staff, our board, and our passionate supporters.

“I’ve grown up at this club and it has been an emotional decision to leave, but I am excited about what the next chapter holds for my family.”

Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham has been at the club throughout McVeigh’s journey.

"Jarrad has been an integral part of our club for more than two decades, exemplifying the courage, grit and determination our club is known for,” Pridham said.

“It has been our privilege to watch him flourish as a player, a leader, and a father, and while he may be departing our club, he will always be part of our red and white family.

“On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank ‘Macca’ for his enormous contribution. We wish him, together with Clementine, Lolita and Florence, all the very best for their adventure in Chicago.”

The Sydney Swans will commence the process to recruit a new VFL Head Coach.

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