SYDNEY Swans defender Paul Bevan was on hand to help Western Suburbs celebrate their 60th anniversary at the club's new facilities at Picken Oval, Croydon Park on Sunday.

Bevan, 23, who played four years at the Magpies before joining the Swans in 2004, said it was great to get out with the code's grassroots players and mingle with fans on the AFL's community weekend.

“We'd like to see a few more Sydneysiders in our team,” said Bevan, who tossed the coin before the clash against Sydney University.

“So if we can start them early, we've got more chance of picking them up later for the Swans. There are some good players around.

“I was talking to one of the guys down here yesterday and he was saying how much they'd picked up in the juniors.”

The $740,000 infrastructure boost to the home ground includes new dressing sheds, umpires' room, kiosk, first aid area and a rainwater tank.

Canterbury Council and Western Suburbs jointly funded the project.

Last week the club's home game was the first occasion in 30 years that the Magpies had been able to return to Picken Oval for a home match.

Previously, due its rundown nature, it was only deemed fit as a training base.

Upgrades to the playing surface is next on the agenda for the club.

“Obviously AFL is a strong point in Sydney with the Swans playing some good footy so hopefully that'll encourage some more players to take up Australian football, especially with these great new facilities,” said Bevan.

Magpies president Dave Spence was thrilled that the Swans defender could attend on such a big day, describing him as “a great ambassador” for Western Suburbs.

And to top off a great day, Western Suburbs defeated Sydney Uni by 10 points, 15.10 (100) to 13.12 (90) in front of a small but appreciative crowd.

The Pies now sit in fifth on the 10-team Sydney premier division ladder, four points off table toppers UNSW/Eastern Suburbs and Pennant Hills, both on 20.