Fremantle legend Matthew Pavlich has been revealed as the Sydney Swans’ new chief executive.

The Dockers’ greatest goal kicker has been named as a replacement for former Swans boss Tom Harley, who was appointed the AFL’s chief operating officer earlier this season.

Pavlich has been working as a commentator and news presenter since his retirement at the end of the 2016 season.

“It’s very humbling. It’s a huge honour and thrill and one that I’m incredibly excited about,” he said.

“I have to say I am a little nervous about the enormity of the role, but I’ve been preparing for something like this for a very long time.

“(I’m) thrilled, excited and extremely honoured.

“I think the history of the club, the culture of the club is well known throughout the AFL. There is strong stability and strength on the field and there has been great success off the field and I get the great privilege of taking that on and seeing that transition from Tom into the future.”

Pavlich had been linked to the AFL Players Association job left vacant by Paul Marsh. He had previously served as the president of the AFLPA during his playing days.

Harley is set to remain in his role at the Swans until the end of this season.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Matthew to take on this important role at our club,” Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said.

“He is a champion of our game and brings to the club a wealth of football experience both from a playing as well as an administrative perspective.

“Not only did he play more than 350 games at the highest level, he served for more than 11 years on the AFL Players Association board, including three years as president, and was also an advisor on the AFL Laws of the Game Committee for two years.”

It has also been reported on Wednesday the Swans made a play for West Coast Norm Smith medallist Luke Shuey for a senior assistant coach role.

Shuey, who leads the midfield at the Eagles, has decided to remain in Perth.

Pavlich, 43, played 353 games for the Dockers between 2000 and 2016 and kicked a club-record 700 goals.

It means he will be working closely with former western derby rival and first-year Swans coach Dean Cox. The former West Coast ruckman took the reins at the Swans from John Longmire after the club’s grand final defeat last year.

Sydney have slipped out of contention this year. They sit 10th on the ladder with a 10-10 record and just three matches to play.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said he was “really proud” of his long-time Dockers teammate, but joked he had been secretive about the move.

“Good luck to him, he’s worked really hard behind the scenes and got a great opportunity in front of him,” Longmuir said.

“I don’t know much about it, he’s kept his cards pretty close to his chest. He seems to ask me a lot of questions, I don’t get to ask him too many.

“Really proud of him and it’s a great opportunity and I wish him all the best.”