Mark Neeld will remain as coach of South Barwon until at least the end of 2029 after signing a new three-year contract.
The Swans confirmed last (Thursday) night that Neeld has agreed to extend his tenure at McDonald Reserve after joining the club ahead of the 2023 season.
The deal will take him past Dale Amos as the longest-serving coach in the club’s history.
“(Wife) Sarah and I are absolutely thrilled to be continuing our journey with South Barwon for the next three seasons,” Neeld said in a statement on social media.
“I’m very grateful the club has shown this level of confidence in and commitment to me.
“It’s a fantastic place to be, with terrific people both on and off the field, and a playing list that is extremely well balanced with a great mix of youth and experience.
“I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to continuing to build something really strong together.”
Neeld played 74 AFL games across stints with Geelong and Richmond in the 1990s before moving into coaching.
His first role was with Old Geelong before taking over at Bellarine club Ocean Grove, which he guided to four consecutive premierships from 2000-2003.
Neeld joined his junior club St Joseph’s as coach in 2004 before spending three years in charge of Talent League club Western Jets.
The 54-year-old joined Collingwood’s coaching staff under Mick Malthouse in 2008 and spent four years at the Magpies, during which time they won the 2010 premiership.
Neeld was appointed Melbourne coach at the end of 2011, but after an unsuccessful season-and-a-half in the position, he was let go by the Demons.
He spent nearly four seasons in a role at Essendon from 2014-2018.
Since taking over at South Barwon, he has guided the Swans to grand finals in 2023 and 2024, falling to Leopold in both years, which was coached by former Cats teammate Garry Hocking.
After missing the finals last year, South sits third on the ladder with a 6-3 record heading into the second half of the season.
After consecutive losses to St Mary’s and Bell Park, the Swans will look to bounce back against Geelong West at Scaada Stadium tomorrow.
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