Sydney Swans

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sydney Swans
Names
Full nameSydney Swans Limited[1][2]
Former name(s)South Melbourne Football Club
(1874–1982)
Nickname(s)Swans, Swannies, Bloods
2023 season
After finals8th
Home-and-away season8th
Leading goalkickerTom Papley (37 goals)
Club details
Founded19 June 1874
Colours  Red   White
CompetitionAFL: Senior men
AFLW: Senior women
VFL: Reserves men
VFLW: Reserves women
CoachAFL: John Longmire
AFLW: Scott Gowans
VFL: Damian Truslove
Captain(s)AFL: Callum Mills
AFLW: Chloe Molloy, Lucy McEvoy
VFL: William Collis
Number-one ticket holder(s)Sarina Jackson[3]
PremiershipsVFL/AFL (5)VFA (5)Reserves (4) South Melbourne in italics.
Ground(s)AFL: Sydney Cricket Ground (48,000)
AFLW: Henson Park (30,000)
VFL: Sydney Cricket Ground, Tramway Oval (1,000)
Former ground(s)Lakeside Oval (1874–1981)
Stadium Australia (2002–2015)
Training ground(s)Outdoor: Sydney Cricket Ground, Tramway Oval, Moore Park
Indoor: Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park
Uniforms
Home
Clash
Heritage
Other information
Official websitesydneyswans.com.au
Current season

The Sydney Swans are a professional Australian rules football club based in Sydney, New South Wales. The men's team competes in the Australian Football League (AFL), and the women's team in the AFL Women's (AFLW). The Swans also field a reserves men's team in the Victorian Football League (VFL). The Sydney Swans Academy, consisting of the club's best junior development signings, contests Division 2 of the men's and women's underage national championships and the Talent League.

The club's origins trace back to March 21, 1873, when a meeting was held at the Clarendon Hotel in South Melbourne to establish a junior football club, to be called the South Melbourne Football Club.[4] The club commenced playing in 1874 at its home ground; Lakeside Oval in Albert Park. Playing as South Melbourne, it participated in the Victorian Football Association (VFA) competition from 1878 before joining the breakaway Victorian Football League (VFL) as a founding member in 1897. Originally known as the "Bloods" in reference to the red colour used on players' guernseys, the Swan emblem was adopted in 1933 after a journalist at the time referred to them using the moniker following a large influx of Western Australian players. In 1982, it became the first professional Australian football club to permanently relocate interstate (from Victoria to New South Wales). In the following year, the club was renamed the Sydney Swans.

The club has a rivalry with the Greater Western Sydney Giants, with whom they contest the Sydney Derby. Their headquarters and training facilities are located in the Moore Park sporting precinct, with offices and indoor training at the Royal Hall of Industries and outdoor sessions conducted on the adjacent Tramway Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground, the latter being the site of the club's senior men's team home matches since 1982. The Swans have won five VFL/AFL premierships including 1909, 1918, and 1933, before experiencing a 72-year premiership drought—the longest of any team in the competition's history. This premiership drought ended with the 2005 premiership, which was later followed by another title in 2012. They won five times and lost twelve grand finals.

According to Roy Morgan, the Swans are one of the most supported clubs in the AFL with more than a million fans in 2021.[5]

History[edit]

Origins: 1873–1876[edit]

The club's origins trace back to 21 March 1873, when a meeting was held at the Clarendon Hotel in South Melbourne for the purpose of establishing a junior football club, to be called the South Melbourne Football Club.[6]

The inauguration date of the club is officially 19 June 1874. It was first known as "Cecil Football Club" (after Cecil Street, South Melbourne, one of the early thoroughfares),[7] but adopted the name "South Melbourne Football Club" four weeks later on 15 July.[8] The club was based at Lake Oval alongside the lake in Albert Park, also home of the South Melbourne Cricket Club.[9][10]

While one of the early favourites to win, South Melbourne were a notable exclusion from the Challenge Cup competitions of the 1870s with entry to this competition strictly limited to clubs playing under the Melbourne Football Club's rules. The club's lack of adherence to the Victorian Rules (and insistence on playing by its own rules) resulted in some controversial early wins.[11] This, along with ability to regularly field a full senior team, may have contributed to its absence during the football season competition begun in the 1870s. Throughout this period South Melbourne, along with neighbouring Cup member club Albert Park, had experimented with rugby football rules which in May 1874 had advocated strongly for their widespread adoption in Victoria;[12] however, this did not meet favour with the more powerful clubs in the colony.

Despite not being part of the big league of clubs, South Melbourne by the mid-1870s is recorded to have enough senior players to field two teams of twenty and played matches against non-Cup clubs during this time against nearby clubs including Fawkner Park, Elwood,[13] West Melbourne, Southern Rifles in 1875[14] and Sandridge Alma,[15] St Kilda Alma,[16] Victoria Parade,[17] and Williamstown in 1876[18] among others. Many of this group of clubs most of which had primarily juniors had also begun to discuss starting their own cup competition.

South was one of Victoria's most prolific touring clubs. Seeking more regular senior competition in 1876 South Melbourne also went on one of its first regional tours playing against newly formed clubs at Beechworth, Blackwood, Taradale and Ballarat.[19]

VFA era: 1877–1896[edit]

South Melbourne was a junior foundation club of the Victorian Football Association in 1877, and attained senior status in 1879.[20]

Amalgamation with Albert Park[edit]

In 1880, South Melbourne amalgamated with the nearby Albert-park Football Club, which had a senior football history dating back to May 1867 (Albert-park had, in fact, been known as South Melbourne during its first year of existence).[21][22] Following the amalgamation, the club retained the name South Melbourne, and adopted the club's now familiar red and white colours from Albert-park.[23] Nicknamed the "Southerners", the team was more colourfully known as the "Bloods", in reference to the bright red diagonal sash on their white jumpers[24][25] The colourful epithet the "Bloodstained Angels" was also in use. Following the 1880 amalgamation it became the strongest in metropolitan Melbourne.[26]

VFA success[edit]

The Bloods and the touring British Lions in front of the grandstand at the South Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1888. South Melbourne won 7 goals to 3

Over its first decade as an amalgamated club, South Melbourne won five VFA premierships – in 1881, 1885 (undefeated) and three-in-a-row in 1888, 1889 and 1890 – and was runner-up to the provincial Geelong Football Club in 1880, 1883 and 1886. The 1886 season was notable for its 4 September match against Geelong, which generated unprecedented public interest as both clubs had entered the match undefeated.

The club was the second Victorian club to visit New South Wales in 1883 travelling to Newcastle where it also defeated the Northern Districts League by a goal before travelling to Sydney where it defeated Sydney by just a single goal in front of a large crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground[27] and East Sydney Football Club by a goal in front of 600 spectators.[28]

South Melbourne played in the first Victorian Grand Final, the 1896 VFA Grand Final

At the end of the 1896 season, Collingwood and South Melbourne finished equal at the top of the VFA's premiership ladder with records of 14–3–1, requiring a playoff match to determine the season's premiership; this was the first time this had occurred in VFA history.[29] The match took place on 3 October 1896 at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground. Collingwood won the match, six goals to five, in front of an estimated crowd of 12,000.[30]

This grand final would be the last match South Melbourne would play in the VFA, as the following season they would be one of eight founding clubs forming the breakaway Victorian Football League joining St Kilda, Essendon, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Geelong, Carlton and Collingwood.

VFL entry: 1897–1909[edit]

1909 VFL team

South Melbourne was one of the original founding clubs of the Victorian Football League that was formed in 1897.[31]

Premiership success: 1909–1945[edit]

Aerial photo of the South Melbourne cricket ground during the 1920s with a SMFC match in progress

The club had early success and won three VFL premierships in 1909, 1918 and 1933.

In 1932, the red sash on the guernsey was replaced with a red "V".[32] The club was at its most successful in the 1930s, when key recruits from both Victoria and interstate led to a string of appearances in the finals, including four successive grand final appearances from 1933 to 1936, albeit with only one premiership in 1933. The collection of players recruited from interstate in 1932/1933 became known as South Melbourne's "Foreign Legion".[33][34]

On grand final eve, 1935, as the Swans prepared to take on Collingwood, star full-forward Bob Pratt was clipped by a truck moments after stepping off a tram and subsequently missed the match for South. Ironically, the truck driver was a South Melbourne supporter.[35][36]

Captain Laurie Nash marks on 26 June 1937

It was during this period that the team became known as the Swans. The nickname, which was suggested by a Herald and Weekly Times artist in 1933, was inspired by the number of Western Australians in the team (the black swan being the state emblem of Western Australia), and was formally adopted by the club before the following season 1934.[37] The name stuck, in part due to the club's association with nearby Albert Park and Lake, also known for its swans (although there are no longer any non-native white swans and only black, indigenous swans in the lake).[38]

After several years with only limited success, South Melbourne next reached the grand final in 1945. The match, played against Carlton, was to become known colloquially as "the Bloodbath", due to the player brawl that overshadowed the match, with a total of 9 players being reported by the umpires. Carlton won the match by 28 points, and from then on, South Melbourne struggled for many years.[39]

Struggling times: 1946–1981[edit]

Following the end of the second world war, South Melbourne consistently struggled, as their traditional inner-city recruiting district largely emptied as a result of demographic shifts. The club missed the finals in 1946 and continued to fall such that by 1950 they were second-last on the ladder. They narrowly missed the finals in 1952, but from 1953 to 1969, they never finished any higher than eighth on the ladder. By the 1960s it was clear that South Melbourne's financial resources would not be capable of allowing them to compete in the growing market for country and interstate players, and their own local zone was never strong enough to compensate for this. The introduction of country zoning failed to help, as the Riverina Football League proved to be one of the least profitable zones.[40][41]

1951 VFL team

Between 1945 and 1981, South Melbourne made the finals only twice: under legendary coach Norm Smith, South Melbourne finished fourth in 1970, but lost the first semi-final; and, in 1977, the club finished fifth under coach Ian Stewart, but lost the elimination final. In that time, they "won" three wooden spoons. Between Round 7, 1972 and Round 13, 1973, the team lost 29 consecutive games. By the end of the 1970s, South Melbourne were saddled with massive debts after struggling for such a long period of time.[42][43]

A VFL club for Sydney[edit]

The VFL had been actively seeking an audience in Sydney since its first exhibition match in 1903 drew 20,000 people.[44] For more than three quarters of a century, it had strategically scheduled matches in Sydney and through the Australian National Football Council – had allocated a significant share of its marketing budget to developing the code in Sydney, showcasing interstate tournaments and encouraging its clubs to play against the state representative side. At one point, it even attempted to negotiate a hybrid code with rugby league. However interest in the code in Sydney remained the poorest in the country (where it was behind three other football codes). In the late 1970s, however, with increasing professionalism of the sport there was an overall increase in national interest in the VFL competition.

In 1977 Ron Barassi proposed the VFL setting up a club in Sydney which he offered to coach in the belief that it would help grow the code in the state.[45] The following year the league investigated playing Sunday matches at the SCG.[46] The VFL scheduled 2 premiership matches for the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1979. One of them, between the previous year's grand finalists North Melbourne and Hawthorn drew a record 31,395 to the gates. In 1979 the financially struggling Fitzroy Lions conducted a feasibility into the possibility of moving to North Sydney and a proposal was put forward, but was voted down by its board in 1980.[47] To test the market further, the VFL scheduled 4 matches for the SCG in 1980 with an average attendance of 19,000. In April 1980, the VFL stated that its market study showed there was sufficient support for a Sydney team, finding that there was an increase in television ratings in Sydney and sustained attendance at matches and that it intended to have a team in Sydney, possibly as soon as 1982.[48] A 1981 report by Graham Huggins concluded that there was an "untapped market in Sydney which represented an excellent opportunity for the league."[49] The report claimed that 60,000 people in Sydney had stated that they would regularly support the new club and 90% of these supporters would watch VFL on television from Sydney and 80% of these supporters had not attended rugby and 92% believed that Australian rules could become popular in Sydney.[50]

In 1981 the VFL had decided that it would establish an entirely new 13th VFL club in Sydney along with a possible 14th team.[49] The VFL was under strong pressure from interests in Adelaide to admit a South Australian club and from the ACT for a new Canberra license, however VFL president Allan Aylett was convinced that Sydney was the most viable option.[51] By 1981, Canberra's ACTAFL had edged out rugby league in popularity with an increase in participation it had become the number one sport.[52] Under significant pressure from a rugby league junior development push and fearing the impact on its strong local competition of entry of a Sydney team made a formal bid for license to enter a Canberra team into the VFL. With corporate backing[53] and strong public support including local legend Alex Jesaulenko,[54] the Canberra bid was confident it would be a successful expansion club.[55] Aylett however, determined to pursue the entry of a Sydney team, dismissed the Canberra bid publishing a scathing report on the development of football in the ACT, stating that the VFL might consider Canberra for a license in another 10 years. Aylett's view was that Sydney offered a much bigger television audience and the most potential to add to the league's lucrative television rights.

With the possibility of another club making Sydney a viable move, in 1981, the South Melbourne board, recognising the structural difficulties it faced with long-term viability and financial stability in Melbourne, decided not to miss what it saw as a strategic opportunity to capture an untapped market and save its club. The board made the decision to play all 1982 home games in Sydney. The club had been operating at a loss of at least $150,000 for the previous five years. News of the proposal broke on 2 July 1981, after which a letter was sent to members justifying the board's reasons for making the proposal and noting that the coach and current players were in favour of the move.[56] On 29 July 1981, the VFL formally accepted the proposal, and paved the way for the Swans to shift to Sydney in 1982.[57]

Inevitably, the move caused very great internal difficulties as a large supporters' group known as Keep South at South campaigned against the move throughout the rest of 1981; and, at an extraordinary general meeting on 22 September, the group democratically won control of the club's board. However, the new board did not have the power to unilaterally stop the move to Sydney: under the VFL constitution, to rescind the decision that had been made on 29 July required a three-quarters majority in a vote of all twelve clubs, and at a meeting on 14 October it failed to obtain this majority.[58] The new board, whilst representative of most fans, lacked the support of the players, many of whom were in favour of a long-term move to Sydney; in early November, after the board promised that it would try to bring the club back to Melbourne in 1983, the players went on strike, seeking to force the new board to commit to Sydney in the long term as well as seeking payments that the cash-strapped club owed them from the previous season.[59] The board ended up undermining its own position when it accepted a $400,000 loan from the VFL in late November in order to stay solvent, under the condition that it commit to Sydney for at least two years. Finally, in early December, the Keep South at South board resigned and a board in favour of the move to Sydney was installed.[60]

Swans move to Sydney: 1982–1984[edit]

In 1982, the club was still technically a Melbourne-based club which played all of its home games at the Sydney Cricket Ground.[61] Its physical "home club" was the "Southern Cross Social Club" at 120a Clovelly Road, Randwick[62] In response to the move, the club's sponsors, Bond Corporation pulled out and the club was left without a major backer.[63] At a major launch in Sydney, Aylett vindicated the league's decision, announcing it had signed a new sponsor, Ward Transport, and that on-field success for the Swans would soon follow.[64] The Swans experienced success in the 1982 Escort Championships with 1,000 supporters packing out the Chevron Hotel ballroom in King Cross in response to the win, however Channel Seven did not broadcast the match in Sydney.[65] The lack of televised games and any media interest in Sydney was to continue to plague support for the Swans.

1982 Escort Championships Final G B Total
Swans 13 12 90
North Melbourne 8 10 58
Venue: Waverley Park Crowd: 20,028

The club won their first official Sydney home game against Melbourne in front of 15,764.[66]

In June 1982, it dropped the name "South Melbourne", officially becoming "the Swans" for the rest of the season.[61] The name change, however, did not endear either the Sydney media or the Sydney public, and after successive games at home, began to draw as few as 10,000. Despite just missing the finals, and some good wins at home and respectable home crowds against league leaders Carlton and Richmond, the lack of success and cold reception in Sydney lead to the lustre quickly leaving the league's glamour team.[67]

In 1983 average crowds in Sydney continued to plummet to 12,000 and Swans supporter packages dropped to as low as 100 members (well short of the 20,000 average crowds predicted by the VFL's 1980 Hennessy Report).[68] Television ratings and sponsorship revenue in Sydney were also far below the league's expectations.[69][70]

Operating at a loss well short of the VFL's predicted $750,000 a year profit[68] poor financial performance continued to drown the club in 1984, with the club flagging pay cuts to its players in order to survive.[71] Coach Ricky Quade resigned and caretaker coach Bob Hammond, despite showing some promise, was unable to turn the club's poor performance around.[72] In order to keep the club solvent during this time, the VFL began to write loans to the Swans that the club would have been unable to pay off on its own.[73] The Swans were the league's most reliant on sponsorship and subsidies from the VFL to stay solvent and meet player payments due to its continued poor crowds, public apathy and poor TV ratings.[70]

Public support for the Swans in Sydney was so bad that by the start of the 1985 season, the VFL began to backflip and the league's administrators, having sunk large amounts of money into the club began looking to offload it.[74][75]

Edelsten era and privatisation: 1985–1987[edit]

On 31 July 1985, for what was thought to be $6.3 million, Geoffrey Edelsten "bought" the Swans; in reality it was $2.9 million in cash with funding and other payments spread over five years. Edelsten resigned as chairman in less than twelve months, but had already made his mark. He immediately recruited former Geelong coach Tom Hafey. Hafey, in turn, used his knowledge of Geelong's contracts to recruit David Bolton, Bernard Toohey and Greg Williams, who would all form a key part of the Sydney side, at a league-determined total fee of $240,000 (less than the $500,000 Geelong demanded and even the $300,000 Sydney offered).[76] The likes of Gerard Healy, Merv Neagle and Paul Morwood were also poached from other clubs, and failed approaches were made to Simon Madden, Terry Daniher, Andrew Bews and Maurice Rioli.[77][78]

During the Edelsten years, the Swans were seen by the Sydney public as a flamboyant, flashy club, typified by the style of its spearhead, Warwick Capper, his long bright blond mullet and bright pink boots made him unmissable on the field and his pink Lamborghini, penchant for girlfriends who were fashion models and his general showy eccentricity made him notorious off the field – all somewhat fashionable in the 1980s. During Capper's peak years, the Swans had made successive finals appearances for the first time since relocating. His consistently spectacular aerial exploits earned him the Mark of the Year award in 1987 while his goalkicking efforts (amassing 103 goals in 1987) made him runner up in the Coleman Medal two years running. The Swans’ successive finals appearances saw crowds during this time peak at an average of around 25,000 per game. Edelsten also introduced the "Swanettes", becoming the sole such American-style cheerleading group among VFL teams following the disbandment of Carlton's Blue Birds in 1986. The Swanettes did not get much performance time, owing to the short intervals between quarters of play in the VFL and the lack of space in which they might perform while other activities take place on the field. The Swanettes were rapidly discontinued.[79] During the Edelsten era, the club's owner and the private company Westec are reported to have sunk more than $10 million in additional private capital to keep the club afloat.[80]

When the Southern Cross club went bankrupt in 1987, the club relocated to the newly built Sydney Football Stadium.[62]

In 1987, the Swans scored 201 points against the West Coast Eagles and the following week scored 236 points against the Essendon Football Club. Both games were at the SCG. The Swans remain one of only two clubs to have scored consecutive team tallies above 200 points, the only other being Geelong in 1992.[81] However, this was followed by several heavy losses, including defeat by Hawthorn by 99 points in the Qualifying Final and by 76 points against Melbourne in the First Semi-final.[82]

Dark times: 1988–1994[edit]

The club's form was to slump in the following year. Losses were in the millions. It was obvious to most that the Swans were struggling financially, though the owners, Sydney Rules Pty Ltd a subsidiary of Powerplay International Ltd were not selling.[83] In early 1988 the company advised the Australian Securities Exchange to cease trading its shares as it could not continue to trade until it had offloaded the Swans.[84] A Canberra consortium including the ACTAFL initially proposed to buy the failed club and shift it to Canberra, however the VFL claimed this was too extreme a move. The league compromised and along with Aylett, who had denied Canberra a license in 1981, proposed that the Swans play away games in the ACT[85] with a dual aim of giving the club a sustainable supporter base and helping resurrect the code in the ACT which had lost enormous ground to rugby league since the introduction of the Canberra Raiders. However the VFL blocked the move feeling that the club would lose its identity if it were to play matches in Canberra.[86][87]

By mid year the VFL had revoked the Swans license and took over ownership of the club,[88] after an investigation under VFL CEO Ross Oakley determined that it was unable to continue operating.[89] However, there were no buyers. On 6 May 1988 the VFL paid Powerplay just $10 to transfer ownership of the club in an attempt to keep it afloat until a buyer could be found.[90][91] The VFL would wait months for the club to regain financial security. The VFL had reported that it needed to find a buyer willing to pay at least $4 million in order to make the club financially viable in the medium to long term. In the meantime, the league had secured a sponsor which helped underwrite the club until the sale.[92][93]

At the end of 1988 the VFL re-tendered the Swans license and a group of financial backers including Mike Willesee, Basil Sellers, Peter Weinert and Craig Kimberley, purchased the licence and bankrolled the club.[94][95]

Morale at the side plummeted as players were asked to take pay cuts.[96] Coach Tom Hafey was sacked by the club in 1988 after a player-led rebellion at his tough training methods (unusual in the semi-professional days of that era).[97] The Willesee consortia appointed Col Kinnear as the new coach.[89]

Capper was sold to the Brisbane Bears for AUD$400,000 in a desperate attempt to improve the club's finances. Instead, it only led to disastrous on-field performances. Instead of a 100-goal-a-season forward, Sydney's goalkicking was led by Bernard Toohey (usually a defender) with 29 in 1989, then Jim West with 34 in 1990. Players left the club in droves, including Brownlow Medalist Greg Williams, Bernard Toohey and Barry Mitchell. The careers of stars such as Dennis Carroll, David Bolton, Ian Roberts, Tony Morwood and David Murphy wound down,[98] while promising young players like Jamie Lawson, Robert Teal and Paul Bryce had their careers cut short by injury.[99][100]

Attendances consistently dropped below 10,000 when the team performed poorly between 1990 and 1994. Kinnear in 1990 urged his players rally to support the club's loyal fans and stem their mass exodus[101] however he was ultimately stood down in August 1991.[102] The nadir came with three consecutive wooden spoons in 1992, 1993 and 1994.[103]

In October 1992, members from the 15 AFL clubs voted on axing the struggling Swans.[104] To fill the void left by the Swans, the league floated a radical proposal for Carlton or Collingwood to play all of their away games in Sydney, however it was felt that even the leagues most popular clubs wouldn't be able to draw a sufficient audience in Sydney to cover for the loss of the Swans.[104] The AFL extended an offer for a Tasmanian license which was declined,[104] and received an offer from the ACTAFL to relocate the club to Canberra, however the AFL rejected this.[104] There were also strong rumours that the AFL intended to merge the club with the Brisbane Bears to form a combined New South Wales/Queensland team, fold altogether, or even move back to South Melbourne.[105] Without adequate alternatives the AFL Commission instead decided to step in and save the club, offering substantial monetary and management support, with the 15 clubs asked to cover the club's AUD$1.2 million annual expenses including license fee and hire of the SCG.[104] With draft and salary cap concessions in the early 1990s and a series of notable recruits, the team became competitive after the early part of the decade.[106]

Statue of Paul Kelly at the SCG. Kelly, a New South Welshman, known as "captain courageous" he was one of Sydney's longest serving skippers captaining the side between 1993 and 2002.

During this time, the side was largely held together by two inspirational skippers, both from the Wagga Wagga region of country New South Wales, Dennis Carroll and later the courageous captain Paul Kelly. However coach Gary Buckenara was sacked after 18 straight losses, managing to register just 2 wins and a draw during his term.[107]

Desperate to hang on, the club was keen to enlist the biggest names and identities in the AFL, and recruited Ron Barassi as coach[108] who helped save the club from extinction while serving them as coach from Round 7, 1993 to 1995. At roughly the same time, Dermott Brereton was also recruited from Hawthorn on a three year contract becoming one of the swans highest paid players,[109] and was considered to replace Paul Kelly as club captain.[110] However Brereton's time in Sydney was marred by multiple tribunal appearances including 6 and 7 week bans[111][112] and while he starred in some upset wins[113][114] he spent more time off the field than on it; resulting in Barassi labelling the experiment as a disappointment, and not offering a contract extension.[115]

Tony Lockett and grand final return: 1995–2001[edit]

A big coup for the club was recruitment of St Kilda Football Club champion Tony "Plugger" Lockett in 1995. Lockett became a cult figure in Sydney, with an instant impact and along with the Super League war in the dominant rival rugby league football code in Australia, helped the Swans to become a powerhouse Sydney icon.[116]

1995 would be Barassi's last year in charge. The Swans won eight games – as many as they did in the previous three seasons combined – and finished with a percentage of over 100. They were also one of only two teams to defeat the all-conquering Carlton side of that year. Captain Paul Kelly won the League's highest individual honour, the Brownlow Medal.[117] Barassi left an improving team, a club in a much better state than he found them.[118]

1996 AFL Home & Away Season W L D Total %
Sydney Swans 16 5 1 66 123.9
Minor Premiers

Former Hawthorn player Rodney Eade took over the reins in 1996 and after a slow start (they lost their first two games of the season), turned the club around into powerful force. The Swans ended the minor round on top of the premiership table with 16 wins, 5 losses and 1 draw. In the finals, the Swans won one of the most thrilling AFL preliminary finals in history after Plugger Lockett kicked a behind after the siren to win the game. The Swans lost the grand final to North Melbourne, which had been their first appearance in a grand final since 1945. The game was played in front of 93,102 at the MCG.[119]

The Swans then made the finals for four of the next five full years that Rodney Eade was in charge. In 1998 they finished 3rd on the AFL ladder; despite beating St Kilda in their first final the Swans were then beaten by eventual premiers Adelaide in the semi-final at the SCG.

The 1999 season was a largely uneventful year for the club, the only real highlight being Tony Lockett kicking his record-breaking 1300th goal against Collingwood in Round 10. The 1999 season ended with a 69-point mauling at the hands of minor premiers Essendon.[120]

After missing the finals in 2000, the Swans rebounded to finish 7th in 2001, but were beaten by Hawthorn by 55 points in their elimination final at Colonial Stadium.[121]

Rebuilding and finals return: 2002–2004[edit]

Former Swans favourite son Paul Roos was appointed caretaker coach midway through the 2002 season, replacing Rodney Eade who was removed after Round 12. Roos won six of the remaining 10 games that year (including the last four of the season) and was installed as the permanent coach from the 2003 season onwards, despite rumours that Sydney had nearly concluded a deal with Terry Wallace.[122]

Roos continued a record as a successful coach with the Swans for the eight full seasons that would follow.

A new home ground at Stadium Australia provided increased capacity over the SCG. The Swans' first game played at the stadium in Round 9, 2002 against Essendon attracted 54,169 spectators. The Sydney Swans v Collingwood match on 23 August 2003 set an attendance record for the largest crowd to watch an AFL game outside of Victoria with an official attendance of 72,393 and was the largest home and away AFL crowd at any stadium for 2003. A preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions in 2003 attracted 71,019 people. The Swans lost all three of those significant matches.[123]

2004 saw an average year for Sydney, however one highlight was when they ended St Kilda's undefeated start to the season in Round 11. The match was notable for Leo Barry's effort in nullifying the impact of St Kilda full-forward and eventual Coleman Medallist Fraser Gehrig, whom Barry restricted to only two possessions for the entire match.[124]

Sydney was able to recruit another St Kilda export in the Lockett mould, Barry Hall. There were obvious parallels to the signing of Lockett (a powerful, tough forward from St Kilda with questions over his discipline and attitude), which left Hall with much to live up to. He flourished in his new surroundings and eventually became a cult figure and club leader in his own right.[125]

As the new century dawned, Sydney implemented a policy of giving up high order draft picks in exchange for players who struggled at other clubs. It was during this era that the Swans picked up the likes of Paul Williams, Barry Hall, Craig Bolton, Darren Jolly, Ted Richards, Peter Everitt, Martin Mattner, Rhyce Shaw, Shane Mumford, Ben McGlynn and Mitch Morton, amongst others, and giving up higher order draft picks meant the Swans missed out on the likes of Daniel Motlop, Nick Dal Santo, James Kelly, Courtenay Dempsey and Sam Lonergan who went to Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Geelong and the latter two to Essendon respectively. This policy is said to have paid off in the Roos era, as they implemented a strict culture of discipline at the club.

Derelict grandstand at Lake Oval. In 2005, the Swans launched a campaign to prevent its demolition of all that remains of its former home and restore it as a club museum.

Premiership glory: 2005[edit]

In 2005, the Swans came under enormous public scrutiny, even from AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, for their unorthodox, "boring" defense-oriented tactics that included tightly controlling the tempo of the game and starving the opposition of possession (in fact, seven teams that season had their lowest possession total while playing against the Swans). Swans coach Paul Roos maintained that playing contested football was the style used by all recent Premiership-winning teams, and felt that it was ironic that the much criticised strategy proved ultimately successful.[126][127]

Nick Davis! Nick Davis! I don't believe it! I see it, but I don't believe it!

Anthony Hudson's TV call of Nick Davis' fourth and match-winning goal in the semi-final against Geelong on Network Ten[128]

Cox throws it onto the left, one last roll of the dice for the Eagles – Leo Barry, you star!...(Siren in background)...The longest Premiership drought in football history is over! For the first time in 72 years, the Swans are the champions of the AFL!"

Stephen Quartermain's TV call of Leo Barry's match- and title-clinching mark on Network Ten[129]

After finishing third during the regular season, the Swans lost the second qualifying final against the West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval on 2 September by 10.5 (65) to 10.9 (69). This dropped them into a semi-final against the Geelong Cats at the SCG on 9 September, and the Swans trailed the Cats 31–53 before Nick Davis kicked four consecutive goals, with the last one a matter of seconds before the siren, to win the game for Sydney by 7.14 (56) to 7.11 (53). In the first preliminary final at the MCG on 16 September against St Kilda, the Swans used a seven-goal blitz in 11 minutes of the fourth quarter to overturn an 8-point deficit and overrun the Saints by 15.6 (96) to 9.11 (65).[130][131]

The Swans faced the Eagles in a rematch in the AFL Grand Final on 24 September 2005, and this time, they prevailed by four points, final score 8.10 (58) to West Coast's 7.12 (54). In the last few minutes, the Sydney defence held strong, with Leo Barry marking the ball just before the siren to stop the Eagles' final desperate shot at goal. The Premiership was the Swans' first in 72 years and their first since being based in Sydney.[132][133]

2005 AFL Grand Final G B Total
Sydney Swans 8 10 58
West Coast Eagles 7 12 54
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground Crowd: 91,898

On 30 September 2005, a ticker tape parade down Sydney's George Street was held in honour of the Swans' achievements, which ended with a rally at Sydney Town Hall, where Lord Mayor Clover Moore presented the team with the key to the city. The flag of the Swans also flew on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the week; the same flag was later given to Premier of Western Australia Geoff Gallop to fly on top of the state legislature in Perth as part of the friendly wager between Gallop and Premier of New South Wales Morris Iemma.[134][135]

Off the field the Grand Final success instigated moves to make the club sustainable in the long term and capitalise on the success to grow the code in the state. The Greater Sydney Australian Football Foundation Limited was formed, which would later become the Sydney Swans Foundation aimed initially at raising $5 million in funds to develop the Swans and the code in New South Wales.[136] The Foundation has raised millions since its inception and helped keep the Swans sustainable in Sydney.[137][138]

Grand final loss: 2006[edit]

As reigning premiers, the Sydney Swans started the 2006 season slowly, losing three of their first four games, including in round one to an Essendon side that would finish near the bottom of the ladder with only three wins and a draw, and finish with the worst defensive record of any side for the season (Sydney, conversely, had the best defensive record of any side).[139][140]

The 2006 AFL Grand Final was contested between the Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 30 September 2006. The West Coast Eagles avenged their 2005 Grand Final defeat by beating the Sydney Swans by one point, only the fourth one-point grand final margin in the competition's history.[141]

The rivalry between the Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles has become one of the great modern rivalries.[142] The six games between the two sides (from the start of the 2005 finals to the first round of 2007 inclusive) were decided by a combined margin of 13 points. Four of those six games were finals and 2 grand finals.[143]

Finals goal: 2007–2010[edit]

Brett Kirk, a New South Welshman, captained the side from 2005 to 2010 leading the club to its first premiership in 72 years

Sydney finished the 2007 home and away season in 7th place, and advanced to the finals, where they faced and were defeated by Collingwood by 38 points in the elimination final. It was their earliest exit from the finals since 2001 and was a culmination of a mostly disappointing season, as only victories against lesser teams saw them through to a fifth consecutive finals campaign.[144]

The conclusion of the 2007 trade saw the loss of Adam Schneider and Sean Dempster to St Kilda, the delisting of Simon Phillips, Jonathan Simpkin and Luke Vogels, and the gain of Henry Playfair from Geelong and Martin Mattner from Adelaide.[145]

The Swans spent the middle part of the 2008 season inside the top four, however a late form slump which yielded only three wins in the last nine rounds saw the Swans drop to sixth at the conclusion of the 2008 regular season. Having qualified for the finals for a sixth consecutive season, the Swans defeated North Melbourne in the elimination final before losing to the Western Bulldogs the following week.[146]

2009 saw the club register only eight victories as they failed to reach the finals for the first time since 2002, finishing 12th with a percentage of below 100% for the first time since 1994. Barry Hall, Leo Barry, Jared Crouch, Michael O'Loughlin, Amon Buchanan and Darren Jolly all departed at the conclusion of the season, with Mark Seaby, Daniel Bradshaw and Shane Mumford, among others, joining the club during the trade period.[147]

The 2010 season saw Sydney return to the finals by virtue of a fifth-place finish at the end of the regular season. The club defeated Carlton by five points in the elimination final before losing to the Western Bulldogs in the semi-finals for the second time in three seasons. The loss signalled the end of the Swans coaching career of Paul Roos as well as that of the playing career of Brett Kirk.[148]

John Longmire era: 2011–present[edit]

2012 AFL Grand Final G B Total
Sydney Swans 14 7 91
Hawthorn 11 15 81
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground Crowd: 99,683
2014 AFL Grand Final G B Total
Sydney Swans 11 8 74
Hawthorn 21 11 137
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground Crowd: 99,460
2016 AFL Grand Final G B Total
Sydney Swans 10 7 67
Western Bulldogs 13 11 89
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground Crowd: 99,981

Former North Melbourne premiership-winning forward John Longmire took over as coach of the Swans as part of a succession plan initiated by Paul Roos in 2009 prior to the beginning of the 2011 season.[149] He led the club to a seventh-place finish at the end of the regular season, therefore qualifying for the finals for the 13th time in the past 16 seasons. The Swans defeated St Kilda in an elimination final at Docklands Stadium before losing to Hawthorn in the semi-finals the following week.[150]

It was during the regular season that the Swans caused the upset of the season, defeating the star-studded Geelong Cats on its home ground, Skilled Stadium, where the home tenant had won its past 29 games in succession, and its past two matches at the ground by a combined margin of 336 points, in Round 23. It was the Swans' first win over the Cats since 2006 and its first win at the ground since Round 8, 1999. The Swans were also the only team to defeat the West Coast Eagles at Patersons Stadium during the regular season. The Swans' victory over Geelong was overshadowed by the news that co-captain Jarrad McVeigh's baby daughter had died in the week leading up to the match, forcing him to miss that match.[151]

2012: Premiership year, Sydney becomes a two team town[edit]

Sydney Swans players run through the banner before the inaugural Sydney Derby on 24 March 2012.
Coach John Longmire, a New South Welshman, led Sydney to a premiership in 2012

The 2012 season began for the Swans with the inaugural Sydney Derby against AFL newcomers Greater Western Sydney. After an even and physical first half, Sydney went on to win by 63 points. Subsequent wins over Fremantle, Port Adelaide, North Melbourne and Hawthorn saw the Swans sit second behind West Coast on percentage after Round 5, but the Swans would proceed to lose three of their next four matches before embarking on a nine-match winning streak between Rounds 10 and 19 inclusive. The Swans eventually finished the regular season in third place after losing three of their final four matches, all against their fellow top-four rivals (Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong in Rounds 20, 22 and 23 respectively).[152]

The Swans defeated Adelaide by 29 points in their qualifying final at AAMI Stadium, thus earning a week off and a home preliminary final, where they then defeated Collingwood by 26 points to qualify for their first grand final since 2006, ending an eleven-match losing streak against the Magpies in the process.

Adam Goodes served as captain between 2009 and 2012 leading the side to a premiership in 2012

In the grand final, the Swans defeated Hawthorn by ten points in front of 99,683 people at the MCG, with Nick Malceski kicking a snap goal with 34 seconds left to seal the Swans' fifth premiership and first since 2005. Ryan O'Keefe was named the Norm Smith Medallist and the Swans' best player in September.[153]

The Sydney Swans warm up before a match in 2013.

The Swans' 2013 season was marred by long-term injuries to many of its key players, namely Adam Goodes, Sam Reid, Lewis Jetta, Rhyce Shaw and Lewis Roberts-Thomson, among others; despite this setback, the team were still able to reach the finals for the fifteenth time in 18 seasons, reaching the preliminary finals where they were defeated by Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, its first loss at the venue since 2009.[154][155][156]

2014–2016: Grand final losses[edit]

Kieren Jack, born and bred Sydneysider, served as captain between 2013 and 2016
Lance "Buddy" Franklin spearheaded the club at full forward between 2014 and 2023, becoming the third highest goalscorer in the club's history.
Josh Kennedy served as captain between 2017 and 2019

The 2014 AFL season began with some difficulties for the Swans. Sydney lost their first game against Greater Western Sydney and then to Collingwood before becoming the first non-South Australian team to win at Adelaide Oval defeating Adelaide by 63 points with Lance Franklin and Luke Parker kicking 4 goals each. After a loss to North Melbourne in Round 4, the Swans' won twelve games in a row, including victories against 2013 grand finalists Fremantle and Hawthorn, Geelong by 110 points at the SCG and then ladder leaders Port Adelaide. In Round 17, the Swans defeated Carlton to match a winning streak set three times in club history, the last of which came way back in 1935,[157] and eventually closed out the season with their first minor premiership in 18 years and a club record 17 wins for the season, eclipsing the previous highest of 16, which was achieved on six past occasions in 2012, 1996, 1986, 1945, 1936 and 1935. In 2014 the Swans were minor premiers, and also qualified for the 2014 AFL Grand Final. They defeated Fremantle at home in the first qualifying final in Round one of the finals series and so earned a one-week break. In the first preliminary final the Swans had a convincing win against North Melbourne, which led them to their fourth grand final in 10 years. The 2014 AFL Grand Final was played on Saturday, 27 September 2014, in near perfect weather conditions, with Sydney seen as favourites leading up to the match. This was the first time in a finals series that former Hawk player Lance Franklin would play against his former team, one of very few players to have played back to back grand finals for two different teams. The Hawks dominated the game quite early and eventually defeated the Swans 11.8.(74) to 21.11.(137). The 63-point loss was Sydney's biggest ever loss in a grand final and their biggest defeat all season, meaning Hawthorn would become back to back premiers for the second time in their history.[158]

The Swans started the 2015 AFL season well, winning their first three, before losing their next two games against Fremantle, where they trailed by as many as 8 goals before half-time, and the Western Bulldogs. They won their next 6 leading into the bye, including home wins against Geelong and North Melbourne, and an upset away win against Hawthorn in the grand final replay. The Swans lost their first game after the bye, their 3rd of the season to Richmond at the SCG, 11.11 (77) to 14.11. (95). The Swans rebounded with unconvincing wins against Port Adelaide and Brisbane Lions, before suffering their heaviest defeat for 17 seasons against the Hawks by 89 points.[159] The following week was no better with a road trip to Perth and another loss, this time to the Eagles by 52 points, the scoreline ultimately flattering the Swans. The Swans bounced back against Adelaide with a convincing win 52-point win, but lost their next game to Geelong at Simmonds stadium; a close affair that Geelong blew apart in the 3rd quarter. The Swans won their final 4 games to secure a top 4 finish, against Collingwood, Greater Western Sydney, St Kilda and Gold Coast.[160]

The Swans faced minor premiers Fremantle in the first qualifying final, their first finals match without Franklin, who had withdrawn from the finals due to illness.[161] Ultimately the Swans would go down in a low-scoring affair, effectively kicking themselves out of the game after losing Sam Reid to a hamstring injury midway through the 2nd quarter.[162] The following week the Swans were knocked out of the finals in a one-sided contest against North Melbourne, struggling to score throughout the first half with the game effectively over by half-time. For the first time since 2011, the Swans failed to make a preliminary final.

The Swans' continued period of success, in which it has missed the finals only three times since 1995, has led to some criticism about a salary cap concession which the club receives; the concession is in the form of an additional Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), due to the higher cost of living in Sydney compared with any other Australian city.[163][164] It was, however, announced in March 2014 that this allowance would be scrapped.[165] The trade ban was fought by the club before the 2015 season and a reprieve was won, with the AFL allowing the club to participate in the 2015 AFL draft. There was a catch however, with the league imposing an edict that the club could only recruit players at or below current average wage of $340,000 (adjusted figures for 2015 was $349,000).[166] During the 2015 season, with the Swans team stretched by ageing players and injuries, it had become apparent that the trade restrictions that had prevented the Swans from participating in the 2014 draft, had impacted the list. With the trade period looming, Andrew Pridham lobbied the AFL to lift the trade restrictions, labeling the ban as a restraint of trade.[167] In response to continued discussions between the club and league, as well as lobbying by the AFLPA,[168] the league further relaxed the trade restrictions for the Swans during the 2015 AFL Finals. The AFL changed the sanctions so that the Swans could replace a player that leaves the club as either a free agent, or through trade, with another player on a contract up to $450,000 per year. This allowed the Swans to trade for Callum Sinclair in a swap deal,[169] as well as trade a late pick for out-of-contract defender, Michael Talia from the Western Bulldogs.[170][171]

The Swans started off the 2016 season with a convincing 80-point round 1 win against Collingwood, with new Swans recruit Michael Talia suffering a long-term foot injury. They followed up the next round with a 60-point win against the Blues, with new recruit Callum Sinclair kicking 3 goals. The following week they defeated GWS by 25 points, with Lance Franklin kicking 4 goals. In the following match against the Crows, Isaac Heeney starred with 18 touches and 4 goals in a losing side. Three more wins followed, against West Coast, Brisbane and Essendon respectively before a shock loss to Richmond in round 8 by a solitary point, after a kick after the siren. They bounced back to win against top spot North Melbourne, and the Hawks at the MCG, with Lance Franklin booting 3 goals, including a bomb from 80 metres. After a tight slog against the Suns, the Swans played the Giants once more and were defeated in the club's 100th game. They won their next game by 55 points against the Demons, in a fourth quarter breeze. After a bye in Round 14, the Sydney Swans lost their first game after, again with the last kick of the game, by 4 points. The week after was soured by a family feud involving co-captain Kieren Jack and his parents, after they were reportedly told by him not to come to is 200-game milestone. After the spat, Jack led the Swans to an emphatic upset victory against Geelong, booting 3 goals and gathering 24 possessions in the one-sided 38-point victory at Simonds Stadium. They then travelled back home where they faced Hawthorn and lost their 3rd match of the season by under a goal, as Buddy went goalless for the first time in the season. After an unconvincing win the following week against Carlton, the Swans went on to win their last 5 home and away games by a combined total of 349 points, giving them top spot and a home qualifying final.[172]

Ahead of their first final against cross-town rivals the Giants, the Swans confirmed that they would play all home finals at the SCG except for Sydney Derbies, which would be played at Stadium Australia. The final would create history, being the first Sydney Derby to be played in a final. It was also the first time that the Giants would make the finals in their fifth year. In a low-scoring first half, the Swans were very competitive, trailing by only 2 points. However, a mark not paid to Isaac Heeney midway through the third quarter turned all the momentum the Giants way, as they kicked away to win by 36 points. The Swans only kicked 2 goals after half-time with Giant Jeremy Cameron outscoring them in the third quarter alone with 3 goals. They were quick to bounce back the following week, thumping the Adelaide Crows by 6 goals, with Franklin and Tom Papley kicking 4 goals a piece, after a blistering 7 goal to 1 quarter. The story was pretty much the same in the preliminary final against the Geelong Cats at the MCG. The Swans kept the Cats goalless for the first quarter, and were never really challenged in their 37-point triumph. It would take them to their third grand final in five years, against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG. After leading by a scant 2-point margin at half time, the Bulldogs pulled away towards the end of the fourth quarter to hand Sydney their second grand final loss in three years.[173]

The Swans began the 2017 season with six straight losses, after being upset at home by Port Adelaide in the opening round, they were upset by Collingwood and Carlton, and suffered defeats to the Western Bulldogs, Greater Western Sydney (who won their first game at the SCG) and West Coast Eagles (in Perth). However, they managed to win 13 of their last 15, losing both their games to Hawthorn by 1 goal. Some of their best wins include against the reigning premiers the Bulldogs, GWS, and comeback wins against Richmond and Essendon. After becoming the first grand-finalist to lose their first six games, they have become the first team to reach the finals after starting the season 0–6. They would comprehensively defeat Essendon in their first final, before slumping to an ugly defeat against Geelong, ending their season.[174]

The Swans had an indifferent 2018, compounded by their struggles at home, losing 5 out of 11 games at the SCG. A lean patch of form which included upset losses to Gold Coast (for the first time ever) and Essendon (for the first time since 2011) had them looking likely to miss finals altogether; however, three out of four wins in the last four rounds was enough to see them into their ninth consecutive finals series, where they were comprehensively beaten by GWS in the elimination finals.[175]

The Swans' golden era of finals appearances came to an end in 2019. They missed the finals for the first time in a decade, finishing 15th on the ladder with 8 wins and 14 losses. They started the season poorly with just one win in their first seven matches, although they would briefly recover after winning five of the next seven games. Six losses on the trot ended any chance of a tenth consecutive finals appearance, but strong wins over also-rans Melbourne and St Kilda in the final two rounds ensured the season ended on a positive note.[176]

2016–present: Pride Games[edit]

In 2015, a pre-season Pride Game was played at Drummoyne Oval between the Swans and the Fremantle Dockers. From the following year, it became an annual fixture marking the club's support for the LGBTQIA+ community.[177] [178] The annual Pride Games are currently only played between the Swans and St Kilda. As of November 2023 the AFL had no plans to introduce a Pride Round, although the AFLW Pride Round was established in 2018.[179][180]

2020s: Return to finals[edit]

Dane Rampe, Sydney born and raised, has been a club captain since 2019

They won their first match of the interrupted 2020 season against Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval by three points, but won only four more games for the season, missing the finals in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1994–95. The 16th-place finish was also the lowest in club history.[181]

After two seasons out of the finals, the Swans rebounded to great effect in 2021. An excellent first month of the season, which saw them upset Brisbane and reigning premiers Richmond, set up a strong home-and-away campaign. Seven wins in their final eight games saw Sydney secure sixth position with a 15–7 win-loss record, just percentage outside the top four, but their year came to a premature end in the finals after a heartbreaking one-point loss to crosstown rival Greater Western Sydney in the second elimination final. The players felt as though they had more to give, and were overcome with disappointment knowing that they had no finals win to show for it, in a season which had otherwise been a massive step in the right direction.[182]

In 2022, the Swans backed up their meteoric rise up the ladder with another promising start, winning five of their first six matches. This included a 30-point win against Geelong in Round 2, which involved Lance Franklin kicking his 1000th career goal, sparking one of the biggest pitch invasions in AFL history. After a mid-year slump, in which the Swans lost winnable games against Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and Essendon, they finished the home-and-away season with seven wins in a row, securing a top-4 berth for the first time since 2016.

In the 2022 finals series, the Swans beat Melbourne by 22 points at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to lock in a home preliminary final. The Swans played Collingwood in the preliminary final and won by a single point, qualifying to play in their fourth grand final in 12 years under Longmire.[183]

On 24 September, the Swans were defeated by Geelong by 133 points to 52 in the 2022 AFL Grand Final.

In 2023 the Swans started well winning their opening two matches and on top of the ladder.[184] A mid season slump saw them drop to as low as 15th[185] but they turned it around winning six in a row to qualify for the finals.[186]

Club identity[edit]

The club's on-field nickname, the Swans, was suggested by a Herald and Weekly Times artist in 1933, was inspired by the number of Western Australians in the team (the black swan being the state emblem of Western Australia), and was formally adopted by the club before the following season 1934.[37][187] The Chicago Swans are affiliated with the club and share a similar logo.[188]

Uniforms[edit]

The jumper is white with a red back and a red yoke with a silhouette of the Sydney Opera House at the point of the yoke. The Opera House design was first used at the start of the 1987 season, replacing the traditional red "V" on white design. Until 1991, the back of the jumper was white with the yoke only extending to the back of the shoulders and each side of the jumper had a red vertical stripe. The current predominantly red design appeared at the start of the 1992 season. The club's major sponsor is QBE Insurance. In 2004 the club added the initials 'SMFC' in white lettering at the back of the collar to honour the club's past as South Melbourne Football Club. The move was welcomed by Melbourne-based fans. From 2011 to 2021, the clash guernsey was a predominantly white version of the home guernsey similar to the original Opera House guernsey design, including a white back, but was rarely used, since the two Queensland clubs (the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns) and cross town rivals GWS Giants are the only clubs with which there is a clash.[189] As of 2023 in addition to being used in games in Victoria unless there is a clash, the red "V" is used as a clash guernsey against Gold Coast and Brisbane

Nike is the current manufacturer of the Swans' apparel.[190] Previous manufacturers were Puma (from mid-1990s to 2009)[191] and ISC (2010 to 2020).[192]

Evolution[edit]

Uniform Evolution[193]
Design Period Description and history
1874–1879 The club's original guernsey. A blue and white hoop design, with blue shorts.
1880–1904 The same hoop design, but utilising the modern Red and White colour scheme for the guernsey. Retains the blue shorts from its predecessor.
1905–06 A red and white guernsey, with a vertical "bar" design. A one-off jumper based on this design was utilised in 1996, for the Centenary Celebration Round.
1907–11
1913–19
1923–31
A white guernsey base, with a red "sash". The sash goes from the left shoulder to the right hip. A one-off version of this guernsey was worn in 2018 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1918 premiership.
1912 A reversed form of the same sash guernsey, with the sash going from the right shoulder to the left hip.
1920–1922 A full red guernsey with white shorts. Bore the SMFC monogram on its front.
1932–74 A white guernsey bearing a red chevron, paired with black shorts. Worn in 2003 for the first AFL Heritage Round.
1975–86, 2021–present The same guernsey design, but with red shorts instead of black. Used on numerous occasion for heritage purposes, such as for Heritage Rounds between 2004 and 2007. Was worn for part of the 2021 season, due to the club's temporary relocation to Melbourne and since the 2022 season, is used as an away guernsey for games in Victoria as well as an alternate against Gold Coast and Brisbane.
1987–present A white guernsey, with a red panel at the top. The red panel is cut in a manner to allow the Sydney Opera House to appear on the guernsey. Paired with red shorts.

Club song[edit]

The club song is known as Cheer, Cheer The Red and The White' and is to the tune of the Victory March, the fight song of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, Indiana, US, which was written by University of Notre Dame graduates and brothers Rev. Michael J. Shea and John F. Shea. In 1961, SMFC committee member Mr. Lynn Laurence sought and was granted a copyright from the University and other musical houses to adapt and add lyrics to the Victory March thus creating the new club song, which replaced an adaptation of Springtime in the Rockies by Gene Autry.[194] Port Adelaide also has used the Victory March as the basis for their club song since 1971, though their senior team changed their club song to their current original Power To Win after their entry into the AFL.

George Gershwin's Swanee (1919) was used by the club in marketing promotions during the late 1990s.[citation needed]

In March 2021, the Swans made a slight but inclusive change to the penultimate line of their club song, with the words "while her loyal sons are marching..." changing to "while our loyal Swans are marching...".[195]

Home ground and training base[edit]

The club's original home ground was Lakeside Oval, when they were known as the South Melbourne Football Club from 1879 until 1981.[9][196]

Since the 2016 AFL season, the Swans have played all their home games at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a 48,000 capacity venue located in inner-east suburb of Moore Park. The venue has been home to Swans home games since the club's relocation to Sydney in 1982.[197] In the years 2002–2015, the Swans played between three and four home matches per season and most home finals matches at Stadium Australia (commercially known as ANZ Stadium), an 80,000 capacity stadium located in the west of the city. During the first five years at the ground average crowds were high, but issues with the surface as well as fan and player disengagement resulted in the club ending its association with the venue.[198]

The club also trains on the SCG during the season and had its indoor training facilities and offices located within the stadium. During the off-season, when the ground is configured for cricket, the Swans train on the adjacent Tramway Oval (previously known as Lakeside Oval) also located within the Moore Park precinct.[199][200][201] The oval is located less than one hundred metres from the SCG and since undergoing a redevelopment in 2018/19, has the same dimensions as the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne. The Swans NEAFL/reserves team have played some home matches at the oval, which has grassed hills and standing areas for several hundred spectators.[202]

In October 2018 the club announced it would shift all offices and indoor training facilities to Moore Park's Royal Hall of Industries sometime in the early-to-mid 2020s, after announcing a $55 million deal with the New South Wales Government to redevelop the Hall.[203] The club pulled out of the agreement in April 2020 due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.[204] In August 2021, the Swans announced it had re-negotiated a lease with the government to immediately commence the project. The facility provides indoor training facilities and administration for the Swans AFL, VFL and AFLW teams.[205] The club began moving into the facility in December 2022.[206][207][208][209][210] It was formally opened by the Prime Minister and New South Wales Premier in June 2023. The facility includes an indoor training field, gym, wet recovery area, medical amenities, a retail store, commercial kitchen, media studio, auditorium, learning centre, office space and a rooftop terrace, while the newly built adjoining building includes an international standard multi-purpose indoor sports court.[211]

Rivalries[edit]

Greater Western Sydney[edit]

The introduction of the GWS Giants to the AFL in 2012 resulted in the formation of the Sydney Derby. The Swans compete against their cross-city rivals twice every season. The best performed player from every derby match is awarded the Brett Kirk Medal.

Initially, the rivalry was a one-sided affair in favour of the Swans, who won 8 of the first 9 derbies. However, it has become more competitive in recent years, with the Giants winning 5 of the 7 most recent derbies. The Swans have also played the Giants in three finals matches, losing each time.[212][213][214]

West Coast Eagles[edit]

Barry Hall and Darren Glass

The Swans developed a famous modern rivalry against the Perth-based West Coast Eagles between 2005 and 2007, when six consecutive games between the two teams, including two qualifying finals and two grand finals, were decided by less than a goal. The rivalry was highlighted by Sydney's four-point win against West Coast in the 2005 Grand Final, and West Coast's one-point win against Sydney in the 2006 Grand Final.

Hawthorn[edit]

The rivalry with Hawthorn has been more recent, mostly defined by two grand finals (2012 and 2014). The Swans beat Hawthorn in 2012 by 10 points to claim their fifth premiership. The rivalry grew in 2013, when Hawthorn forward Lance Franklin transferred to the Swans as a free agent on a nine-year, $10 million deal. In 2014, the Swans finished minor premiers and were favourites to win the grand final, however Hawthorn beat Sydney by 63 points. Both teams have had close games since their grand final encounters, with their matches often finishing within single digit margins.

Men's team[edit]

Current squad[edit]

Senior list Rookie list Coaching staff

Head coach

Assistant coaches


Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)
  • (B) Category B rookie
  • italics - Inactive player list
  • Long-term injury
  • (ret.) Retired

Updated: 18 March 2024
Source(s): Players, Coaching staff


Women's team[edit]

The Sydney Swans women's first home game at the North Sydney Oval on 27 August 2022 set a new record crowd for women's Australian rules football in New South Wales with 8,264 in attendance.[215]

The Sydney Swans women's team was founded for the 2016 exhibition series; however, they did not bid for AFLW entry until 2022. Following the granting of an official AFLW license, the team made its debut in 2022 AFL Women's season 7. It was the most supported in the AFLW in 2022 (S7) with 7,757 members.[216] Despite finishing last in its debut season, the women's team had the 4th highest average home attendance in the league, with 3,773 playing out of the North Sydney Oval and Henson Park.

Current squad[edit]

Senior list Rookie list Coaching staff

Head coach

Assistant coaches


Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)
  • (i) – Inactive player

Updated: 18 March 2024
Source(s): Sydney AFLW


Club Champion[edit]

Season Winner Runner-up Third place Ref.
2022 (S7) Cynthia Hamilton Montana Ham Sofia Hurley [217]
2023 Laura Gardiner Chloe Molloy Ally Morphett [218]

Reserves team[edit]

Sydney
Names
Full nameSydney Swans Limited
Former name(s)South Melbourne reserves
(1925–1982)
Former nickname(s)Redbacks
2023 season
Home-and-away season18th
Club details
Founded1925
CompetitionVictorian Football League
CoachDamian Truslove
Captain(s)Adam Gulden
PremiershipsAFL Canberra (4)
Ground(s)Sydney Cricket Ground & Tramway Oval (1,000)
Uniforms
Home

The Sydney reserves are the reserves side of the club, playing in the Victorian Football League since 2021.

History[edit]

South Melbourne first had a reserves side in 1919, with the Leopold Football Club operating as its affiliate. At the end of the 1924 season, Leopold was replaced by the South Melbourne Second Eighteen.[219]

The side competed in the VFL seconds (which later became the AFL reserves) until the competition's demise at the end of 1999, even after the move Sydney in 1982. The team enjoyed little success in the reserves competition, with its best performances in losing grand finals in 1927, 1956, 1980 and 1995.

In 2000, the Sydney reserves – known as the Redbacks – joined the Sydney AFL competition, but was so dominant in the lower competition that it withdrew prior to the finals series because the club felt the difference in standard was too greatly in favour of the Swans. Between 2001 and 2002, the Swans affiliated themselves with the Port Melbourne Football Club in the VFL, sending most of its reserves players there, while also retaining the Redbacks in the Sydney AFL as a junior development team. From 2003, the Sydney reserves recombined to a single team, which contested the higher standard AFL Canberra, winning four consecutive premierships between 2005 and 2008.

In 2011 the Swans reserves team joined the newly established North East Australian Football League with the rest of the AFL Canberra competition. The side often played as a curtain raiser to senior AFL games. The side never won a premiership, eliminated in the Eastern Conference Grand Finals in 2011 and 2012; then losing the overall NEAFL grand final five times: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Following the disbandment of the NEAFL in 2020, the Sydney reserves have competed in the Victorian Football League.

Sydney Swans Academy[edit]

The Sydney Swans Academy consists of the club's junior development signings. It was formed in 2010 as one of two in Sydney including the GWS Giants Academy and one of four Northern Academies including the Brisbane Lions Academy and Gold Coast Suns Academy.

72 spread staff across 9 facilities manage 550 selected underage players from age 10 up with regional hubs in Illawarra, Central Coast, Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Northern Rivers.[220]

The men's and women's U16 and U18 teams have contested Division 2 of the men's and women's underage championships since 2017.

The Swans Academy also joined the Talent League in 2019.

Corporate[edit]

Administration[edit]

Directors:

  • Andrew Pridham chairman (2013–present)
  • Andrew Ireland
  • Sam Mostyn
  • Robert Morgan
  • Greg Paramor
  • Darren Steinberg
  • Leo Barry
  • Alexandra Goodfellow
  • Brian Tyson

CEOs:

  • Tom Harley (2018–current)
  • Andrew Ireland (2009–2018)
  • Myles Baron-Hay (2004–2009)
  • Phil Mullen
  • Colin Seery
  • Kelvin Templeton
  • Jordan Sembel

Sponsors[edit]

Current major sponsors[edit]

As of November 2023, the club's sponsors are:[221]

Premier partners[edit]

Supported charities[edit]

  • Wally Jackson Research Fund
  • Sydney Australian Football Foundation (SAFF)

Supporter base[edit]

Sydney Swans supporters

Although a large majority of the existing fan base strongly objected to the relocation of the club from South Melbourne, the Sydney Swans have built a large following in the city they now call home. Attendances and memberships in Sydney grew dramatically during the Lockett era, helped out by the Super League War plaguing Rugby League.[230] Nevertheless, the Swans continue to have a substantial supporter base in Victoria, with attendances for Swans games in Melbourne being much higher than other non-Victorian teams.[citation needed]

Aboriginal actress and dancer Lillian Crombie founded the First Nations supporters club, the Black Swans.[231]

According to Roy Morgan Research, the club has been the most supported club among all AFL supporters in every year since 2004.[232]

The club has Sydney an official LGBTQIA+ supporter group, Rainbow Swans.[177]

Legend:   Premiers   Grand Finalist   Finals   Wooden spoon

Year Members Finishing position Average Home crowd
1982 7th 15,993
1983 11th 12,025
1984 2,750 10th 12,497
1985 2,777 10th 10,137
1986 4,927 4th 25,819
1987 3,594 4th 22,032
1988 2,516 7th 12,311
1989 2,631 7th 12,317
1990 2,624 13th 9,178
1991 2,907 12th 11,521
1992 3,020 15th 9,881
1993 3,097 15th 9,423
1994 3,327 15th 9,813
1995 6,088 12th 15,949
1996 9,525 2nd 24,996
1997 22,109 7th 36,612
1998 31,089 5th 31,549
1999 31,175 8th 30,586
2000 30,177 10th 25,308
2001 28,022 7th 27,556
2002 27,755 11th 25,270
2003 21,270 3rd 32,244
2004 25,010 5th 30,964
2005 24,955 1st 31,516
2006 30,382 2nd 32,877¹
2007 28,764 7th 35,632¹
2008 26,721 6th 32,834
2009 26,269 12th 30,506
2010 28,671 5th 31,586
2011 27,106 6th 26,615
2012 29,873 1st 27,663
2013 36,358 4th 29,104
2014 40,126 2nd 32,579
2015 48,836 5th 32,217
2016 56,523 2nd 33,425
2017 58,838 5th 34,475
2018 60,934 7th 32,575
2019 61,912 15th 31,070
2020 48,322 16th 3,421
2021 50,144 6th 21,209
2022 55,394 2nd 29,424

Club honour boards[edit]

Honour board[edit]

Year Posn Coach Captain Best & Fairest Leading goalkicker (goals)
1897 5 Bill Fraser Bill Fraser Dinny McKay (14)
1898 5 Bill Fraser Bill Fraser Charlie Colgan (13)
1899 6 Dave Adamson Dave Adamson Charlie Colgan (27)
1900 5 George Davidson, Bill Windley George Davidson, Bill Windley Harry Lampe (16)
1901 6 Albert Trim Albert Trim Harry Lampe (20)
1902 5 Bill Windley Bill Windley Charlie Goding (19)
1903 8 Tom Fogarty Tom Fogarty Charlie Goding (10)
1904 5 Bill McGee Bill McGee Charles Clements (37)
1905 5 Bill McGee, Tom Fogarty Bill McGee, Tom Fogarty Charles Clements (31)
1906 5 Herb Howson Herb Howson Len Mortimer (24)
1907 2 Bill Dolphin Bill Dolphin Len Mortimer (37)
1908 5 Bill Dolphin Bill Dolphin Len Mortimer (40)
1909 1 Charlie Ricketts Charlie Ricketts Len Mortimer (50)
1910 3 Charlie Ricketts Charlie Ricketts Len Mortimer (28)
1911 4 Bill Thomas Bill Thomas Len Mortimer (44)
1912 2 Charlie Ricketts Charlie Ricketts Len Mortimer (40)
1913 3 Harvey Kelly Vic Belcher Bill Strang (29)
1914 2 Vic Belcher Vic Belcher Jack Freeman (36)
1915 5 Vic Belcher Vic Belcher Harry Morgan (35)
1916 Did not compete due to World War I
1917 4 Vic Belcher Vic Belcher Harry Morgan (23)
1918 1 Bert Howson, Sonny Elms Charlie Pannam Gerald P. Ryan (32)
1919 3 Bert Howson, Sonny Elms Jim Caldwell Harold Robertson (38)
1920 5 Arthur Hiskins Vic Belcher Stan Wootton (28)
1921 7 Artie Wood Carl Willis Roy Cazaly (19)
1922 9 Roy Cazaly Roy Cazaly, Mark Tandy Roy Cazaly (28)
1923 3 Charlie Pannam Paddy Scanlan Ted Johnson (40)
1924 6 Charlie Pannam Paddy Scanlan Ted Johnson (60)
1925 8 Charlie Pannam Paddy Scanlan Ted Johnson (60)
1926 5 Charlie Pannam Charlie Pannam Roy Cazaly Ted Johnson (45)
1927 6 Charlie Pannam Charlie Pannam Hec McKay Ted Johnson (50)
1928 10 Charlie Pannam Charlie Pannam, Joe Scanlan Len Thomas Ted Johnson (60)
1929 8 Jim Caldwell, Fred Fleiter Charlie Stanbridge Danny Wheelahan Austin Robertson Sr. (53)
1930 7 Paddy Scanlan Joe Scanlan Ron Hillis Austin Robertson Sr. (54)
1931 7 Paddy Scanlan Joe Scanlan Len Thomas Austin Robertson Sr. (38)
1932 4 Johnny Leonard Johnny Leonard Bill Faul Bob Pratt (71)
1933 1 Jack Bissett Jack Bissett Harry Clarke Bob Pratt (109)
1934 2 Jack Bissett Jack Bissett Terry Brain Bob Pratt (150)
1935 2 Jack Bissett Jack Bissett Ron Hillis Bob Pratt (103)
1936 2 Jack Bissett Jack Bissett Herbie Matthews Bob Pratt (64)
1937 9 Roy Cazaly Laurie Nash Herbie Matthews Laurie Nash (37)
1938 12 Roy Cazaly Herbie Matthews Len Thomas Roy Moore (34)
1939 12 Herbie Matthews Herbie Matthews Herbie Matthews Bob Pratt (72)
1940 10 Herbie Matthews Herbie Matthews Herbie Matthews Lou Reiffel (33)
1941 8 Joe Kelly Herbie Matthews Reg Ritchie Jack Graham (33)
1942 3 Joe Kelly Herbie Matthews Jim Cleary Lindsay White (80)
1943 8 Joe Kelly Herbie Matthews Herbie Matthews Charlie Culph (35)
1944 7 Joe Kelly Herbie Matthews Jim Cleary Ron Hartridge (31)
1945 2 William Adams Herbie Matthews Jack Graham Laurie Nash (56)
1946 7 William Adams Jack Graham Bill Williams Harry Mears (32)
1947 8 William Adams Jack Graham Bill Williams Bill Williams (38)
1948 10 William Adams, Jack Hale Jack Graham Ron Clegg Jack Graham (32)
1949 10 Jack Hale Bert Lucas Ron Clegg Dick Jones (27)
1950 11 Gordon Lane Gordon Lane Bill Williams Gordon Lane (47)
1951 8 Gordon Lane Gordon Lane Ron Clegg Bill Williams (41)
1952 5 Gordon Lane Gordon Lane Keith Schaefer Gordon Lane (33)
1953 8 Laurie Nash Ron Clegg Jim Taylor Ian Gillett (34)
1954 10 Herbie Matthews Ron Clegg Eddie Lane Eddie Lane (28)
1955 10 Herbie Matthews Bill Gunn Ian Gillett Eddie Lane (36)
1956 9 Herbie Matthews Ian Gillett Jim Dorgan Bill Gunn (28)
1957 10 Herbie Matthews Ron Clegg Jim Taylor Fred Goldsmith (43)
1958 9 Ron Clegg Ron Clegg Bob Skilton Max Oaten (34)
1959 9 Ron Clegg Ron Clegg Bob Skilton Bob Skilton (60)
1960 8 Bill Faul Ron Clegg Frank Johnson Max Oaten (39)
1961 11 Bill Faul Bob Skilton Bob Skilton Brian McGowan (38)
1962 12 Noel McMahen Bob Skilton Bob Skilton Bob Skilton (36)
1963 11 Noel McMahen Bob Skilton Bob Skilton Bob Skilton (36)
1964 11 Noel McMahen Bob Skilton Bob Skilton Max Papley (25)
1965 8 Bob Skilton Bob Skilton Bob Skilton Bob Kingston (48)
1966 8 Bob Skilton Bob Skilton Max Papley Austin Robertson Jr. (60)
1967 9 Alan Miller Bob Skilton Bob Skilton John Sudholz (35)
1968 9 Alan Miller Bob Skilton Bob Skilton John Sudholz (36)
1969 9 Norm Smith Bob Skilton Peter Bedford John Sudholz (35)
1970 4 Norm Smith Bob Skilton Peter Bedford John Sudholz (62)
1971 12 Norm Smith Bob Skilton Peter Bedford Peter Bedford (44)
1972 11 Norm Smith John Rantall Russell Cook Peter Bedford (28)
1973 12 Graeme John Peter Bedford Peter Bedford Peter Bedford (52)
1974 9 Graeme John Peter Bedford Norm Goss Jr. Norm Goss Jr. (37)
1975 12 Graeme John Peter Bedford Peter Bedford Graham Teasdale (38)
1976 8 Ian Stewart Peter Bedford Rick Quade Robert Dean (37)
1977 5 Ian Stewart Rick Quade Graham Teasdale Graham Teasdale (38)
1978 8 Des Tuddenham Rick Quade John Murphy John Murphy (31)
1979 10 Ian Stewart Rick Quade Barry Round Tony Morwood (56)
1980 6 Ian Stewart Barry Round David Ackerly John Roberts (67)
1981 9 Ian Stewart Barry Round Barry Round John Roberts (51)
1982 7 Rick Quade Barry Round David Ackerly Tony Morwood (45)
1983 11 Rick Quade Barry Round Mark Browning Craig Braddy (48)
1984 10 Rick Quade, Bob Hammond Barry Round, Mark Browning Bernie Evans Warwick Capper (39)
1985 10 John Northey Mark Browning Stephen Wright Warwick Capper (45)
1986 4 Tom Hafey Dennis Carroll Gerard Healy Warwick Capper (92)
1987 4 Tom Hafey Dennis Carroll Gerard Healy Warwick Capper (103)
1988 7 Tom Hafey Dennis Carroll Gerard Healy Barry Mitchell (35)
1989 7 Col Kinnear Dennis Carroll Mark Bayes Bernard Toohey (27)
1990 13 Col Kinnear Dennis Carroll Stephen Wright Jim West (34)
1991 12 Col Kinnear Dennis Carroll Barry Mitchell Jason Love (52)
1992 15 Gary Buckenara Dennis Carroll Paul Kelly Simon Minton-Connell (60)
1993 15 Gary Buckenara, Brett Scott, Ron Barassi Paul Kelly Paul Kelly Simon Minton-Connell (41)
1994 15 Ron Barassi Paul Kelly Daryn Cresswell Simon Minton-Connell (68)
1995 12 Ron Barassi Paul Kelly Tony Lockett Tony Lockett (110)
1996 2 Rodney Eade Paul Kelly Paul Kelly Tony Lockett (121)
1997 7 Rodney Eade Paul Kelly Paul Kelly Tony Lockett (37)
1998 5 Rodney Eade Paul Kelly Michael O'Loughlin Tony Lockett (109)
1999 8 Rodney Eade Paul Kelly Wayne Schwass Tony Lockett (82)
2000 10 Rodney Eade Paul Kelly Andrew Schauble Michael O'Loughlin (53)
2001 7 Rodney Eade Paul Kelly Paul Williams Michael O'Loughlin (35)
2002 11 Rodney Eade, Paul Roos Paul Kelly Paul Williams Barry Hall (55)
2003 4 Paul Roos Stuart Maxfield Adam Goodes Barry Hall (64)
2004 5 Paul Roos Stuart Maxfield Barry Hall Barry Hall (74)
2005 1 Paul Roos Stuart Maxfield[a] Brett Kirk Barry Hall (80)
2006 2 Paul Roos Barry Hall, Brett Kirk and Leo Barry Adam Goodes Barry Hall (78)
2007 7 Paul Roos Barry Hall, Brett Kirk and Leo Barry Brett Kirk Barry Hall (44)
2008 6 Paul Roos Brett Kirk, Leo Barry and Craig Bolton Jarrad McVeigh Barry Hall (41)
2009 12 Paul Roos Brett Kirk, Adam Goodes and Craig Bolton Ryan O'Keefe Adam Goodes (38)
2010 5 Paul Roos Brett Kirk, Adam Goodes and Craig Bolton Kieren Jack Adam Goodes (44)
2011 6 John Longmire Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh[229] Adam Goodes Adam Goodes (41)
2012 1 John Longmire Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh Josh Kennedy Lewis Jetta (45)
2013 4 John Longmire Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh Jarrad McVeigh Kurt Tippett (35)
2014 2 John Longmire Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh Luke Parker Lance Franklin (79)
2015 5 John Longmire Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh Josh Kennedy Lance Franklin (47)
2016 2 John Longmire Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh Josh Kennedy Lance Franklin (81)
2017 5 John Longmire Josh Kennedy Luke Parker Lance Franklin (73)
2018 6 John Longmire Josh Kennedy Jake Lloyd Lance Franklin (57)
2019 15 John Longmire Josh Kennedy, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker Dane Rampe Tom Papley (37)
2020 16 John Longmire Josh Kennedy, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker Jake Lloyd Tom Papley (26)
2021 7 John Longmire Josh Kennedy, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker Luke Parker Lance Franklin (51)
2022 2 John Longmire Callum Mills, Dane Rampe and Luke Parker Callum Mills Lance Franklin (52)

Team of the century[edit]

Sydney announced its team of the century on 8 August 2003:

Hall of fame[edit]

Sydney Swans
Hall of Fame
Individuals

Peter Bedford
David Ackerly
Jack Bisset
Mark Browning
Rod Carter
Jared Crouch
Paul Kelly
William Faul
Barry Hall
Herb Howson
Barry Mitchell
Bill Windley
Bob Skilton
Ron Hillis
Tadhg Kennelly

Craig Kimberley
Denis McKay
Tony Morwood
Michael O'Loughlin
Charlie Ricketts
Bruce Sloss
Len Thomas
Greg Williams
Jimmy Young
Peter Burns
Paul Roos
Bernard Toohey
Dennis Carroll
Stuart Maxfield
Len Mortimer

Leo Barry
Craig Bolton
Jim Caldwell
Roy Cazaly
Andrew Dunkley
Fred Goldsmith
Gerard Healy
Herbie Matthews
Graeme John
Brett Kirk
Laurie Nash
Adam Goodes
Harry Clarke
Ryan O'Keefe
Ted Richards

David McLeish
David Murphy
Rick Quade
Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Mark Tandy
William Thomas
Paul Williams
Stephen Wright
Graham Teasdale
Edward Johnson
John Rantall
Terry Brain
Bernie Evans
Barry Round

Mark Bayes
Ron Clegg
Jude Bolton
Bob Pratt
Warwick Capper
Jim Cleary
Henry Elms
Jack Graham
John Heriot
Tony Lockett
Jim Taylor
Vic Belcher
Bill Gunn
Billy Williams

Players listed in bold are inductees in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Players listed in bold and italics are legends in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Achievements[edit]

Club achievements[edit]

Premierships
Competition Level Wins Years Won
Australian Football League Seniors 5 1909, 1918, 1933, 2005, 2012
Victorian Football Association (1879–1896) Seniors 5 1881, 1885, 1888, 1887, 1890
AFL Canberra (2003–2010) Reserves 4 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
AFL Under-19s Under 19s 1 1956
Other titles and honours
VFL Night Series Seniors 3 1956, 1957, 1960
AFC Night Series Seniors 1 1982
Finishing positions
Australian Football League Minor premiership
(McClelland Trophy)
3 1996, 2014, 2016
Grand Finalist 13 1899, 1907, 1912, 1914, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1945, 1996, 2006, 2014, 2016, 2022
Wooden spoons 11 1903, 1922, 1938, 1939, 1962, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1992, 1993, 1994
AFL Women's Minor premiership 0
Grand Finalist 0
Wooden spoons 1 2022 (S7)

Individual achievements[edit]

Bob Skilton Medal (Club best and fairest)

Brownlow Medal (League best and fairest)

Norm Smith Medal (AFL Grand Final best on ground)

Leigh Matthews Trophy (AFLPA Most Valuable Player)

Coleman Medal (Leading Goal Kicker)

AFL Rising Star (Best player under 21)

Records[edit]

  • Most gamesAdam Goodes (372)
  • Most goalsBob Pratt (681)
  • Most goals in matchTony Lockett (16), Round 19, 1995 v Fitzroy at Western Oval
  • Most goals in a seasonBob Pratt (150) in 1934
  • Most games coachedJohn Longmire (300)
  • Highest score – 36.20 (236) vs Essendon 11.7 (73), Round 17, 1987
  • Lowest score – South Melbourne 0.5 (5) vs Carlton 3.6 (24), Round 8, 1899
  • Lowest score since 1919 – South Melbourne 1.9 (15) vs Geelong 8.9 (57), Round 16, 1964
  • Highest losing score – South Melbourne 24.10 (154) vs Melbourne 24.23 (167), Round 1, 1979
  • Lowest winning score – South Melbourne 2.3 (15) vs Melbourne 1.7 (13), Round 6, 1898
  • Lowest winning score since 1919 – South Melbourne 4.15 (39) vs Fitzroy 4.12 (36), Round 4, 1919
    • Since 1920 – South Melbourne 5.11 (41) vs St. Kilda 5.9 (39), Round 16, 1948
  • Greatest Winning Margin
    • As South Melbourne – (171 points) – South Melbourne 29.15 (189) vs St. Kilda 2.6 (18), Round 12, 1919
    • As Sydney Swans – (171 points) – Sydney Swans 31.19 (205) vs West Coast Eagles 5.4 (34), Round 15, 2023
  • Greatest Losing Margin – (165 points) – South Melbourne 2.7 (19) vs Essendon 28.16 (184), Round 18, 1964

Activism[edit]

Same Sex Marriage[edit]

During the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, Sydney Swans supported the Yes vote.[233]

Voice to Parliament[edit]

Sydney Swans is a supporter of the Voice to Parliament.[234]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Six rounds into the 2005 season, Stuart Maxfield ended his playing career due to chronic injury. Six players rotated as captain throughout the rest of the season: Brett Kirk, Leo Barry, Barry Hall, Ben Mathews, Adam Goodes and Jude Bolton.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Current details for ABN 48 063 349 708". Australian Business Number. Australian Business Register. November 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Sydney Swans Constitution" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 September 2018. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
  3. ^ "Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Football Club. All the latest news, videos, results and information".
  4. ^ "MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1873". Argus. 24 March 1873. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  5. ^ "AFL supporter bases boom in 2020/21 as lockdowns keep people at home and 'glued' to the action on TV". Roy Morgan. 21 September 2021.
  6. ^ "MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1873". Argus. 24 March 1873. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  7. ^ "SOUTH'S JUBILEE". The Herald. No. 14, 881. Victoria, Australia. 28 January 1925. p. 6. Retrieved 10 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ^ History – Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Archived 1 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ a b "Lakeside Stadium". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  10. ^ "Timeline: VFA era and the birth of a new club (1874–1897)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  11. ^ "TO THE EDITOR OF THE AUSTRALASIAN". The Australasian. Vol. IX, no. 229. Victoria, Australia. 20 August 1870. p. 13. Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. ^ The Record and Emerald Hill and Sandridge Advertiser. May 1874
  13. ^ "FOOTBALL". The Age. No. 6368. Victoria, Australia. 5 July 1875. p. 4. Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. ^ "FOOTBALL". Weekly Times. No. 308. Victoria, Australia. 31 July 1875. p. 5 (TOWN EDITION). Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  15. ^ "SATURDAY'S SPORTS". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 9, 340. Victoria, Australia. 22 May 1876. p. 6. Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. ^ "FOOTBALL NOTES". Weekly Times. No. 356. Victoria, Australia. 1 July 1876. p. 5. Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  17. ^ "FOOTBALL NOTES". Weekly Times. No. 358. Victoria, Australia. 15 July 1876. p. 5 (TOWN EDITION). Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  18. ^ "SATURDAY'S SPORTS". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 9, 352. Victoria, Australia. 5 June 1876. p. 9. Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  19. ^ "SPORTING". Illustrated Australian News. No. 237. Victoria, Australia. 15 May 1876. p. 70. Retrieved 7 April 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  20. ^ Peter Pindar (18 October 1879). "The Football Season of 1879 – Part 1". The Australasian. Vol. XXVII, no. 707. Melbourne. p. 493.
  21. ^ "Thursday, 23 May 1867". The Argus. Melbourne. 23 May 1867. p. 5.
  22. ^ "Football". The Australasian. Vol. VI, no. 162. Melbourne. 8 May 1869. pp. 588–589.
  23. ^ "Chapter four – Sydney or bust: the South Melbourne Football Club's 1981 relocation saga" (PDF). p. 111. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 June 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  24. ^ Nickname – AFL Archived 8 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ^ Edited by Ross, J and G. Hutchison, G.,100 Years of Australian Football, Published by Viking, Penguin Books Australia Ltd, 1996
  26. ^ Peter Pindar (16 October 1880). "The Football Season of 1880". The Australasian. Vol. XXIX, no. 759. Melbourne. p. 492.
  27. ^ "FOOTBALL". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 14, 127. New South Wales, Australia. 9 July 1883. p. 6. Retrieved 13 May 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  28. ^ "FOOTBALL". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 14, 129. New South Wales, Australia. 11 July 1883. p. 8. Retrieved 14 May 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  29. ^ "Football Notes". The Argus. Melbourne. 28 September 1896. p. 6.
  30. ^ "The Football Premiership". The Argus. Melbourne. 5 October 1896. p. 5.
  31. ^ "Timeline: Early VFL days (1898–1930)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  32. ^ Branagan, Mark and Lefebvre, Mike, Bloodstained Angels, The Rise & Fall of the Foreign Legion, 1995, self-published, Melbourne, Australia
  33. ^ The caricature at the foot of page 10 of Table Talk (22 June 1933) was created by Richard "Dick" Ovenden (1897–1972). From left to right those represented are: Jack Bisset, the team's captain; Dick Mullaly, the club's secretary; Brighton Diggins, from Subiaco (WAFL); Bert Beard, from South Fremantle (WAFL); Bill Faul, from Subiaco (WAFL); Joe O'Meara, from East Perth (WAFL); Frank Davies, from City (NTFA); Laurie Nash, from City (NTFA); John Bowe, from Subiaco (WAFL); Jack Wade, from Port Adelaide (SANFL); Ossie Bertram, from West Torrens (SANFL); and Wilbur Harris, from West Torrens (SANFL).
  34. ^ "Timeline: Early VFL days (1898–1930)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  35. ^ Shaw, I.W. (2006) The Bloodbath. Scribe Publications.
  36. ^ "Timeline: A second wave of success (1930–1960)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  37. ^ a b J. M. Rohan (24 January 1934). "Real story behind South Melbourne's football premiership". The Sporting Globe. Melbourne. p. 7.
  38. ^ "Timeline: A second wave of success (1930–1960)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  39. ^ "Timeline: A second wave of success (1930–1960)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  40. ^ "Timeline: A second wave of success (1930–1960)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  41. ^ "Timeline: Tough times see the Swans fly north (1960–1984)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  42. ^ "Timeline: A second wave of success (1930–1960)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  43. ^ "Timeline: Tough times see the Swans fly north (1960–1984)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  44. ^ "FOOTBALL IN SYDNEY". The Argus (Melbourne). No. 17, 742. Victoria, Australia. 25 May 1903. p. 6. Retrieved 24 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  45. ^ "Call to include Sydney in VFL". The Canberra Times. Vol. 52, no. 14, 965. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 23 December 1977. p. 12. Retrieved 12 May 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  46. ^ "VFL to approach SGG". The Canberra Times. Vol. 52, no. 15, 571. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 27 April 1978. p. 1 (SPORTS SECTION). Retrieved 12 May 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  47. ^ Jim Main, Shake Down The Thunder, Geoff Slattery Publishing, 2006, ISBN 0-9757964-6-1
  48. ^ "SYDNEY-BASED TEAM ULTIMATE AIM OF V.F.L." The Canberra Times. Vol. 54, no. 16, 278. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 20 April 1980. p. 26. Retrieved 24 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  49. ^ a b "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL Clubs will decide on fate of Sydney VFL team". The Canberra Times. Vol. 55, no. 16, 701. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 18 June 1981. p. 28. Retrieved 2 May 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  50. ^ 1980 VFL Move to Sydney from NSW Football History
  51. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL South's truce uneasy". The Canberra Times. Vol. 56, no. 16, 886. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 20 December 1981. p. 17. Retrieved 2 May 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  52. ^ "Swans might be Canberra's lever into AFL". The Canberra Times. Vol. 64, no. 19, 730. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 15 October 1989. p. 14. Retrieved 9 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  53. ^ "More sponsorship for Australian rules". The Canberra Times. Vol. 54, no. 16, 303. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 15 May 1980. p. 22. Retrieved 9 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  54. ^ "Jesaulenko confident of playing". The Canberra Times. Vol. 52, no. 15, 602. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 10 June 1978. p. 46. Retrieved 9 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  55. ^ "Weaknesses exposed in VFL transfer plan". The Canberra Times. Vol. 55, no. 16, 746. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 2 August 1981. p. 6. Retrieved 9 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  56. ^ "On This Day: Swans move to Sydney". sydneyswans.com.au. 2 July 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  57. ^ "Timeline: Tough times see the Swans fly north (1960–1984)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  58. ^ Mike Coward (15 October 1981). "VFL 'no' sends South to Sydney". The Age. Melbourne. p. 32.
  59. ^ Geoff Slattery (7 November 1981). "South Players on strike". The Age. Melbourne. p. 40.
  60. ^ "Revisiting the South Melbourne to Sydney saga". The Roar. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  61. ^ a b Simunovich, Peter (3 June 1982). "The Swans – officially". The Sun News-Pictorial. Melbourne. p. 67.
  62. ^ a b "Timeline: Tough times see the Swans fly north (1960–1984)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  63. ^ "VFL needs business infusion to Canberra". The Canberra Times. Vol. 56, no. 16, 906. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 10 January 1982. p. 18. Retrieved 16 September 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  64. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL VFL confident of Sydney success". The Canberra Times. Vol. 56, no. 16, 952. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 25 February 1982. p. 42. Retrieved 16 September 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  65. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL Swans' song of victory". The Canberra Times. Vol. 56, no. 17, 098. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 21 July 1982. p. 1 (SPORTS SECTION). Retrieved 16 September 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  66. ^ "The Swans go 'home'". The Canberra Times. Vol. 56, no. 16, 986. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 31 March 1982. p. 38. Retrieved 16 September 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  67. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL Tigers, Blues set for thriller". The Canberra Times. Vol. 56, no. 17, 039. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 23 May 1982. p. 28. Retrieved 16 September 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  68. ^ a b Towards a National Competition – Timeline of VFL/AFL Expansion from Sport Industry AU
  69. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL Will the VFL's card house come tumbling down?". The Canberra Times. Vol. 57, no. 17, 358. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 8 April 1983. p. 22. Retrieved 27 May 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  70. ^ a b "THE FOOTBALL CRISIS AND CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP". Tribune. No. 2339. New South Wales, Australia. 25 July 1984. p. 17. Retrieved 27 May 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  71. ^ "Internal strife ruffles Swans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 59, no. 17, 965. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 5 December 1984. p. 1 (SPORTS SECTION). Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  72. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL New Swans coach faces problems". The Canberra Times. Vol. 58, no. 17, 812. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 5 July 1984. p. 24. Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  73. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL Answer sought for VFL woes". The Canberra Times. Vol. 58, no. 17, 791. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 14 June 1984. p. 28. Retrieved 3 August 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  74. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL Swans face more drama". The Canberra Times. Vol. 59, no. 18, 018. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 27 January 1985. p. 5 (SPORT). Retrieved 10 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  75. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  76. ^ Williams, Greg: Diesel: The Greg Williams Story, page 91. Pan MacMillan Australia, 1995
  77. ^ Williams, Greg: Diesel: The Greg Williams Story, p. 93. Pan MacMillan Australia, 1995
  78. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  79. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  80. ^ "ACT hovers over Swans' deathbed". The Canberra Times. Vol. 67, no. 21, 002. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 13 October 1992. p. 20. Retrieved 7 September 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  81. ^ 1992 AFL season
  82. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  83. ^ "Beitzel questions Powerplay". The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 073. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 24 December 1987. p. 16. Retrieved 24 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  84. ^ "Powerplay's new moves to avoid Swans' dive". The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 111. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 1 February 1988. p. 13. Retrieved 24 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  85. ^ "TIMES Sport Canberra gets Swans: Bidder". The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 057. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 8 December 1987. p. 22. Retrieved 10 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  86. ^ "The Swans, Canberra and '88..." The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 053. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 4 December 1987. p. 28. Retrieved 24 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  87. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  88. ^ "TIMES Sport VFL takes control of Sydney Swans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 206. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 7 May 1988. p. 64. Retrieved 24 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  89. ^ a b "A new era for Swans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 63, no. 19, 426. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 13 December 1988. p. 24. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  90. ^ On This Day: Powerplay sells Swans for $10 May 6, 2020
  91. ^ "TIMES Sport VFL takes control of Sydney Swans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 206. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 7 May 1988. p. 64. Retrieved 10 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  92. ^ "AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL $250,000 boost for Swans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 59, no. 18, 048. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 26 February 1985. p. 22. Retrieved 10 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  93. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  94. ^ "A new era for Swans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 63, no. 19, 426. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 13 December 1988. p. 24. Retrieved 24 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  95. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  96. ^ Jim Main, Aussie rules for dummies (2nd edition, 2008), p.128
  97. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  98. ^ Cowley, Michael (19 October 2009) Gen Next must fly for Swans as wily old birds go
  99. ^ "Timeline: Privatisation (1985–1989)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  100. ^ "Timeline: Survival (1990–1995)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  101. ^ "Swans owe their fans says coach". The Canberra Times. Vol. 64, no. 20, 189. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 22 July 1990. p. 11. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  102. ^ "AUSSIE RULES Changes but the Hawks keep up tradition". The Canberra Times. Vol. 66, no. 20, 720. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 5 January 1992. p. 9. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  103. ^ "Timeline: Survival (1990–1995)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  104. ^ a b c d e "ACT hovers over Swans' deathbed". The Canberra Times. Vol. 67, no. 21, 002. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 13 October 1992. p. 20. Retrieved 10 July 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  105. ^ "Google Scholar". scholar.google.com. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
  106. ^ "Timeline: Survival (1990–1995)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  107. ^ "Buckenara: I needed more time". The Canberra Times. Vol. 67, no. 21, 190. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 21 April 1993. p. 48. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  108. ^ "Barassi takes reins". The Canberra Times. Vol. 67, no. 21, 203. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 4 May 1993. p. 28. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  109. ^ "Brereton enlists with the Swans". The Canberra Times. Vol. 68, no. 21, 410. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 27 November 1993. p. 14 (Saturday MAGAZINE). Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  110. ^ "Swans captain named". The Canberra Times. Vol. 68, no. 21, 482. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 8 February 1994. p. 18. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  111. ^ "Brereton out for 6 matches". The Canberra Times. Vol. 62, no. 19, 237. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 7 June 1988. p. 21. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  112. ^ "UPSETS and TRIUMPHS". The Canberra Times. Vol. 70, no. 21, 715. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 29 September 1994. p. 22. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  113. ^ "Sport". The Canberra Times. Vol. 69, no. 21, 585. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 22 May 1994. p. 14. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  114. ^ "Spiteful match sees Brereton before AFL tribunal". The Canberra Times. Vol. 69, no. 21, 656. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 1 August 1994. p. 22. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  115. ^ "AFL plan forces Swans to slash player numbers". The Canberra Times. Vol. 70, no. 21, 692. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 6 September 1994. p. 25. Retrieved 24 July 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  116. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  117. ^ "Timeline: Survival (1990–1995)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  118. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  119. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  120. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  121. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  122. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  123. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  124. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  125. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  126. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  127. ^ "Timeline: Here it is (2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  128. ^ Minutes Before Nick Davis' GOAL v Geelong | 2005 Semi-final [HD] YouTube (originally broadcast by Network Ten)
  129. ^ Leo Barry – "That Mark" (2005 AFL Finals Series – Grand Final – Sydney Swans vs. West Coast Eagles) YouTube (originally broadcast by Network Ten)
  130. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  131. ^ "Timeline: Here it is (2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  132. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  133. ^ "Timeline: Here it is (2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  134. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  135. ^ "Timeline: Here it is (2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  136. ^ "SWANS' VICTORY A BOON FOR IVANY". The Australian Jewish News. Vol. 112, no. 1. New South Wales, Australia. 30 September 2005. p. 27. Retrieved 10 December 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  137. ^ "Timeline: Barassi and Eade deliver hope (1996–2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  138. ^ "Timeline: Here it is (2005)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  139. ^ "Bombers upset Swans". ABC News. 1 April 2006.
  140. ^ "Timeline: Hungry for more (2006–2008)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  141. ^ "Timeline: Hungry for more (2006–2008)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  142. ^ Forsaith, Rob (15 July 2012). "Enduring rivalry one for the birds". The Sydney Morning Herald. Australian Associated Press. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
  143. ^ "Timeline: Hungry for more (2006–2008)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  144. ^ "Timeline: Hungry for more (2006–2008)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  145. ^ "Timeline: Hungry for more (2006–2008)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  146. ^ "Timeline: Hungry for more (2006–2008)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  147. ^ "Timeline: Winds of change (2009–2010)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  148. ^ "Timeline: Winds of change (2009–2010)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  149. ^ "On this day: August 12, 2009 - Swans succession plan". 11 August 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  150. ^ "Timeline: New beginnings (2011)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  151. ^ "Timeline: New beginnings (2011)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  152. ^ "Timeline: Another success story (2012)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  153. ^ "Timeline: Another success story (2012)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  154. ^ Dockers smother Swans to reach first Grand Final, AFL.com.au official website, 21 September 2013
  155. ^ 2013 AFL Season review: Sydney Swans, The Roar, 26 September 2013
  156. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  157. ^ "Dozen up for unstoppable Swans – The New Daily". 12 July 2014.
  158. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  159. ^ Hassett, Sebastian (19 July 2015). "Biggest loss in 17 years a humiliation for Swans, says Luke Parker". The Age.
  160. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  161. ^ [1], AFL.com.au official website, 8 September 2015
  162. ^ [2], Fox Sports, 12 September 2015
  163. ^ "Hawks and Crows critical of Swans' salary cap – thetelegraph.com.au". 16 October 2012.
  164. ^ "AFL turns up heat on Sydney's cost of living allowance". Daily Telegraph.
  165. ^ AFL to scrap COLA, AFL.com.au official website, 4 March 2014
  166. ^ [3], AFL.com.au official website, 21 January 2015
  167. ^ [4], AFL.com.au official website, 14 August 2015
  168. ^ [5], The Age, 20 August 2015
  169. ^ [6], AFL.com.au official website, 14 October 2015
  170. ^ [7], The Age, 22 October 2015
  171. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  172. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  173. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  174. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  175. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  176. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  177. ^ a b Irvine, Jason (7 August 2021). "AFL Pride Game remains a continued show of representation and visibility". The Inner Sanctum. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  178. ^ Bourke, Ed (3 November 2023). "AFL challenged to embrace own pride round". The Australian. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  179. ^ Bourke, Ed (3 November 2023). "AFL challenged to embrace own pride round". news.com.au. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  180. ^ Vinall, Marnie (27 February 2023). "AFL 2023: League open to dedicated pride round but says no immediate plans to add to existing themed rounds". The Age. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  181. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  182. ^ "Timeline: The quest continues (2013 – current)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  183. ^ "Swans squeeze past Pies in CLASSIC to secure Grand Final spot". afl.com.au. 17 September 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  184. ^ "Hawthorn sink to ugly 73-year first after enduring Sydney bloodbath". News.com.au. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  185. ^ "From 15th to finals? How surging Swans have turned it around". AFL. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  186. ^ "EAGLE SHOCK! Swans, Saints to play finals as Dogs stunned". AFL. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  187. ^ "SOUTH MELBOURNE'S MASCOT". The Herald. No. 17, 687. Victoria, Australia. 22 January 1934. p. 3. Retrieved 14 May 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  188. ^ "History of the Club (1997–2005)". Chicago Swans. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  189. ^ Swans 2013 fixture released, Sydney Swans official website, 31 October 2012
  190. ^ "Nike and the Sydney Swans unite to celebrate the power of sport". www.sydneyswans.com.au. 26 November 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  191. ^ "Score an end of season trip for your footy team with PUMA". Sydney Swans. 12 March 2007. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  192. ^ Carayannis, Michael (26 June 2020). "Sport Confidential: Apparel firm ISC's withdrawal could cost NRL clubs a combined $8 million". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  193. ^ "Season by Season Jumpers". www.footyjumpers.com. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  194. ^ Sydney Swans Club Song Archived 21 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine SydneySwans.com.au
  195. ^ "Different Swan song: Sydney's new lyrics to club anthem". PerthNow. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  196. ^ "Timeline: VFA era and the birth of a new club (1874–1897)". Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  197. ^ "Sydney Swans to play all AFL games at SCG after quitting ANZ Stadium". Sydney Morning Herald. 29 February 2016.
  198. ^ "The rise and fall of ANZ Stadium as an AFL venue". The Roar. 1 March 2016.
  199. ^ "Lakeside Oval upgrade set to hinder Swans' pre-season". AFL.com.au. 21 November 2018.
  200. ^ "Longmire lauds Lakeside". Sydney Swans. 30 April 2019.
  201. ^ "Tramway Oval". Centennial Parklands Sydney.
  202. ^ "Gallery: History created at Moore Park". Sydney Swans. 17 August 2019.
  203. ^ "Sydney Swans secure new home for HQ & Community Centre in Moore Park". Sydney Swans. 18 October 2018.
  204. ^ "Sydney Swans pull out of $70 million headquarters deal in major coronavirus blow". Fox Sports. 16 April 2020.
  205. ^ "Sydney Swans HQ at the Royal Hall of Industries". Sydney Swans. 27 August 2021.
  206. ^ "The Sydney Swans are leaving the SCG for a new headquarters". 7 News. YouTube. 10 December 2022.
  207. ^ "Swans enjoy first official day at new HQ". Sydney Swans. 10 January 2023.
  208. ^ "Sydney Swans HQ taking shape". Sydney Swans. 25 January 2023.
  209. ^ "Historic building transformed into Swans' new training facility". afl.com.au. 11 January 2023.
  210. ^ "Sydney Swans move into multi-million dollar world-class training facility". News.com.au. 26 January 2023.
  211. ^ "Prime Minister & NSW Premier officially open Sydney Swans HQ". Sydney Swans. 29 June 2023.
  212. ^ "GWS Giants come of age to upset Sydney Swans in first qualifying final". News.com.au. 10 September 2016.
  213. ^ "AFL lands NRL huge blow with bumper crowd for Sydney Swans v GWS Giants qualifying final". The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 September 2016.
  214. ^ De Silva, Chris (8 September 2018). "GWS Giants humiliate Sydney Swans in elimination final". Wide World of Sports. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  215. ^ Beyond the Boundary with Baker: Learnings from Round 1 By Baker Denneman, Sydney Swans
  216. ^ "AFLW Club Membership breaks all-time record". womens.afl. 25 November 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  217. ^ "Hamilton crowned inaugural AFLW Club Champion". Sydney Swans. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  218. ^ "Gardiner crowned AFLW Club Champion". Sydney Swans. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  219. ^ "Leopold". The Age. Melbourne, VIC. 18 March 1925. p. 18.
  220. ^ How the northern football academies work By Michael Whiting on Feb 18, 2015
  221. ^ a b c d e f "Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Football Club. All the latest news, videos, results and information". sydneyswans.com.au. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  222. ^ Blackiston, Hannah (26 August 2019). "Sydney Swans appoints realestate.com.au as its new major partner". Mumbrella. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  223. ^ Long, Michael (7 February 2011). "Swans announce 'major partnership' with Volkswagen". SportsPro. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  224. ^ Brook, Samantha Hutchinson, Stephen (6 December 2020). "With sponsorship boost, will the Swans just do it?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 1 November 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  225. ^ "Qatar Airways Group sees strong financial performance for 2022/23 | Times Aerospace". www.timesaerospace.aero. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  226. ^ Hodson, Joshua (5 December 2019). "Sydney Swans Sign Multi-Year Partnership With HSBC". Ministry of Sport. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  227. ^ "carsales to rev up Sydney". sydneyswans.com.au. 1 March 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  228. ^ Badman, Rob (6 December 2021). "'Go the Bloods'… Independent Reserve crypto exchange teams up with Sydney Swans". Stockhead. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  229. ^ a b Brettig, Daniel (15 February 2011). Goodes, McVeigh named as Swans co-captains. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 February 2011.
  230. ^ "Catharine Munro examines why people choose to stay away from rugby league Super League war takes its toll on crowd numbers". The Canberra Times. Vol. 70, no. 21, 960. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 2 June 1995. p. 3 (TV and radio Sport). Retrieved 10 July 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  231. ^ "A tribute to the founder of the Black Swans". Sydney Swans. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  232. ^ "Sydney most supported club in AFL". Sydney Swans. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  233. ^ "Sport". Australian Marriage Equality. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  234. ^ Cross, Jarred (19 May 2023). "Sydney Swans support Voice to Parliament ahead of Sir Doug Nicholls Round". National Indigenous Times. Retrieved 20 May 2023.

External links[edit]