It was an interesting and insightful history lesson on the rebirth of the Sydney Swans Football Club. The night explored the early troubled times, from the decision to move to Sydney and the lack of on-field success, to the high-flyers who bankrolled the club, the players’ commitment, and the achievement of the ultimate success with the 2005 AFL premiership.
With only seven months of being a Swan under my belt, I arrived at the event very much intent on taking a back seat.
As I walked down the red carpet, I shook hands with legends of our game, past players, sponsors and supporters, and all offered their best wishes for the rest of the season.
I arrived at table No.76, and was the first there – sitting and watching every move. I watched past and present players, many who hadn’t seen each other for years, hug and embrace.
I am not great on names - or faces - but these boys seem to have no problems with reacquainting themselves. Some shook hands, while others hugged, exchanged a look and a laugh – and kept on laughing.
Of course, there were plenty of high-fives and flashes from the paparazzi, who were in their element with so many red and white stars in the same place at the same time.
It was like a family reunion, and any differences were put aside for the sake of a jumper we all cherish.
Still seated by myself, and nearly through my first Crownie, I realised that if I do everything right over the next few years, I will earn a place in the Swans’ footy family.
For me home time was quite early, but many of the family kicked on to the wee hours of the morning. As boys will be boys, many of today’s players caught up with those of yesteryear for more private drinks the day after. I believe the celebrations were just as rowdy.
On Saturday night I attended another event, this time celebrating Saint Robert Harvey at his testimonial dinner in Melbourne. I had been looking forward to this for weeks.
As a player, I was lucky enough to run alongside and watch Robert play. He is one of the best players I have played with.
I organised a ticket and went along to the function with some old players. We met at a hotel first, then made our way to Telstra Dome. It felt special to be back with a few mates and catch up on old times.
On arrival, I found myself doing everything that I had done three nights earlier: all the special handshakes, a hug from Jack Barker – Trevor Barker’s dad – and a laugh and a cheap gag at ex-president Andrew Plympton’s expense.
I shared a few old stories with Doc Ian Stone, and plenty of hellos and ‘how are you’s with people I had not seen for years. Getting away from Steven Sziller and his intense drinking speed was going to be one of my challenges for the night.
Upon arrival, and after many requests from MC Sandy Roberts to sit down, I was last on my table – No.28.
It was a total turnaround from Thursday night’s celebration in Sydney.
This was my family. It was the first time I had been back at St Kilda since leaving the club at the end of 2002 … and not a word was said about my absence.
There was many a ‘Welcome back, glad to see you here!’, which made we feel very welcome. There remains a big place in my heart for the St Kilda Football Club.
Once again boys were boys, and many of them were many trying to get a taxi at 3.20am. At least, I think that’s what they were doing. A few were talking Braille by now.
This is why our game is so great. It’s a team sport with a common denominator – and that denominator is a jumper of significant heritage. No matter what era you wore it and for how long, you will always have a family to enjoy that period of your life with: a family of players, trainers, runners, coaches, directors and presidents. It’s a family I am thrilled to be a part of.
With only a few years left in my playing career, I feel a bond building for me with the Swans. The ultimate reward would be being accepted as a family member of the Sydney Swans.
Many bag the fact that I have played at several clubs, but this is one of the advantages of doing so.
I can assure you that it’s definitely worthwhile being a part of two families … and the jury is still out on the brown and gold. Only time will tell.
