SYDNEY has appointed pioneering former AFL commissioner Sam Mostyn to its board, where she'll replace the retiring Andrew McMaster.

Mostyn was the first woman to join the AFL Commission back in 2005. She served for 11 years, where she worked to implement the AFL's Respect and Responsibility policies, indigenous programs and helped to develop the new NAB AFL Women's competition. 

She has not slowed down since leaving the AFL, and is currently a non-executive director of Virgin Australia, Mirvac, CoverMore and Transurban.

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said he was thrilled to have Mostyn on the board. 

"She has been a trailblazer for women in football and a strong advocate for social inclusion, which aligns with our football club's core values," Pridham said. 

"Sam is not only passionate about our sport, she also has a wealth of business and corporate knowledge across a range of industries, which will be a valuable addition to our board." 

McMaster is retiring after more than 20 years on the Swans' board, having served since 1995.