Former North Melbourne AFL captain Andrew Swallow and Melbourne businessman Nick Dowling are new additions to the club’s Board of Directors.

Their appointments follow the departure of director Anthony Stevens in March and Paul Dwyer’s decision to resign earlier this month. 

They will officially start in their roles at next month’s Board meeting. 

Dwyer has vacated his role due to increased business commitments that will take him overseas on a regular basis.

North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood AM thanked Dwyer for his considerable service to the club.

“Paul has brought incredible business acumen and intellect to the Board since joining back in 2018,” Dr Hood said.

“The club has been the beneficiary of his calmness and common sense approach to the many issues we’ve confronted during that time. 

“On a personal front, I want to thank him for his counsel and support, and unfailing good humour. We're going to miss him."

The appointments of Swallow and Dowling were approved by the Board at the monthly meeting on Thursday. As casual Board appointments, Swallow and Dowling will stand for formal election at the club's annual general meeting later this year.

They join Dr Hood, Andrew Harris, Selina Lightfoot, Rodney Piltz, Suzana Ristevski and Dr Harry Unglik as club directors. 

Swallow enjoyed a storied career at North Melbourne, captaining the club from 2012-16, winning three Syd Barker medals and playing 224 games from 2006-17. Swallow was awarded life membership in 2017.

During his time as a player, he was a long-time AFL Players Association club delegate. 

Since leaving the club, Swallow has lived in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. He has remained in football since retiring, firstly with Gold Coast’s men’s and women’s programs, and then at a community level with the Byron Bay Magpies Football Club. 

Dowling has built an impressive CV as an executive and director across multiple business sectors. He started his career in banking, first with NAB and then Macquarie Bank. 

In 2011, he was appointed CEO of real estate group Jellis Craig, and he is now the company’s executive chairman. He also has extensive experience in non-executive finance and real estate directorships.  

He comes from a big family of North Melbourne supporters and his children are also passionate Kangaroos fans.

“We’re thrilled to have people of the calibre of Andrew and Nick join the club Board,” Dr Hood said.

“We’ve had a deliberate focus on developing a skills-based Board to steer the club through the challenges of the next few years, on and off the field. 

“Andrew and Nick bring strong and diverse skillsets which complement our existing directors. We now have experience across football, finance, legal, governance, medical, business, marketing, property and community.”