SYDNEY Swans coach John Longmire has been named as the Allan Jeans Senior Coach of the Year, edging out Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson by one vote at the AFL Coaches Association awards on Tuesday night.





The award, voted on by their coaching peers, illustrates just how close the race is between this year's two Grand Final sides and acknowledges the success Longmire and Clarkson have achieved this season.





Longmire led his team to the 2014 McClelland Trophy with a winning record of 17-5, steadying the ship after three losses – and plenty of criticism to boot – in the first four rounds of the season.





Clarkson navigated all sorts of adversity throughout the season: injuries and suspensions to key players, as well as his own personal battle with illness as he missed five games after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome at the end of May.









Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland said Longmire was a deserved winner after a fantastic season in charge.

“This season saw John guide the team to the top of the ladder with a club-record breaking 17 wins and ultimately to the Grand Final this Saturday,” he said.



“It will be John’s second Grand Final as a senior coach since taking the helm for the 2011 season and that in itself is a great achievement.



“In year where the club finished on top of the ladder, it has been great to see John introduce five debutants into the senior team, as well as key young players such as Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd and Gary Rohan.



“It goes without saying, we hope John and the team can cap off a strong season with a win on Saturday,” Longmire, who also won the award in the Swans' premiership year in 2012, followed last year's winner, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley.





The prestigious award is named in honour of St Kilda and Hawthorn coaching legend Allan Jeans.



Senior Coach of Year

2014 John Longmire Sydney Swans

2013 Ken Hinkley Port Adelaide

2012 John Longmire Sydney Swans

2011 John Worsfold West Coast Eagles

2010 Michael Malthouse Collingwood

2009 Ross Lyon St Kilda

2007 Mark Thompson Geelong

2008 Mark Thompson Geelong

2006 John Worsfold West Coast

2005 Neil Craig Adelaide

2004 Mark Williams Port Adelaide

2003 Paul Roos Sydney Swans

