Sydney great Paul Kelly says he is ready to be labelled a traitor for joining the Western Sydney AFL expansion club.

The inspirational former Swans skipper confirmed his role on Wednesday as a talent identification officer for the club that will debut in the 2012 AFL season.

"I think the opportunity that we are presenting the kids in southern NSW is what really excites me most," said Kelly, who hails from Wagga Wagga.

"We are providing these kids with a strong pathway with the opportunity to potentially play AFL at the highest level, it's something that hasn't been done there before.

"There might be a few people out there that will call me a traitor but it really is about the bigger picture.

"It's about creating a better opportunity for local kids to realise their full potential in AFL and have a realistic chance to make it through to the club."

The Brownlow Medallist, who played 234 games for the Swans from 1990 to 2002, will join head coach Kevin Sheedy from February 1.

Team GWS has also appointed former Northern Territory Institute of Sport AFL coach Brett Hand as the club's development coach.

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