Find a speaker

Paul Roos

Paul Roos was widely considered one of the finest players of the modern era during his 17 impressive seasons with Fitzroy and Sydney. His work ethic and dedication was second to none.

'Roosy' ed Sydney in 1995 and at 33 years of age he got the chance to play in his first AFL grand final. He was named All-Australian in 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991 (captain), 1992 (captain) and 1996 and retired in 1998 having played 356 senior AFL games.

Following his outstanding career as a player, Roos answered a call to fill the vacant senior coaching position at the Sydney Swans midway through the 2002 season.

Full-time assistant coach at The Swans since 2001, he was subsequently appointed to the club's senior coaching position for a three year term effective season 2003. Remarkably, in his first full season in charge he took the team to a preliminary final against eventual premiers, the Brisbane Lions. The underrated Swans finished top four and the AFL Coaches' Association named Roos their inaugural Coach of the Year.

In 2005 Roos finally tasted premiership success after almost a quarter of a century as player and coach as the Club won their first flag since 1933 with a four-point win over West Coast in what he described as his greatest moment in football. Roos constantly impresses his peers by keeping workman-like Sydney near the top of the ladder, with his ability to consistently extract the best his players and his match-day innovations.

Roos, forever the consummate professional, now speaks to corporations on the importance of leadership. His presentations look at the leadership programs that have been implemented by the Swans and how successful each has been; identifying leaders within a team; the importance of mentoring; goal setting; working towards a common goal; and a thirst for knowledge.